đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Redmond and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
Redmond vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Redmond | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $172,979 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.6% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $1,350,000 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $625 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,864 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 151.5 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 107.9 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.65 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 372.1 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 76.4% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 45 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Philadelphia vs. Redmond: The Ultimate East Coast Legacy vs. Pacific Northwest Tech Hub Showdown
Alright, let's cut the fluff. You're standing at a massive crossroads in your life. On one side, you have Philadelphia—the gritty, historic, blue-collar soul of the East Coast. On the other, you have Redmond—the polished, green, tech-fueled gem of the Pacific Northwest.
This isn't just about geography; it’s a clash of lifestyles, budgets, and futures. Are you chasing the electric buzz of a major metro or the serene, high-income quiet of a suburb? Let’s break it down, data point by data point, to see which city actually fits your life.
The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Green
Philadelphia is the underdog that punches way above its weight class. If you love the energy of a big city but hate the soul-crushing price tags of NYC or DC, Philly is your sweet spot. It’s a city of neighborhoods—each with its own personality. You’ve got the historic cobblestones of Old City, the hipster cafes of Fishtown, and the leafy, upscale streets of Rittenhouse Square.
- Who is it for? History buffs, foodies (hoagies and cheesesteaks are a religion here), sports fanatics, and anyone who craves the feeling of living in a real city with deep roots and a fierce, local pride.
Redmond is the definition of polished Pacific Northwest living. It’s clean, green, and incredibly family-oriented. This isn't a city; it's a high-end suburb wrapped in evergreen trees, anchored by the global HQ of Microsoft. The vibe is quiet, safe, and intensely professional. You don't come here for nightlife; you come here for world-class hiking, top-tier schools, and a paycheck that stretches (if you can afford the housing).
- Who is it for? Tech professionals, families prioritizing safety and education, outdoor enthusiasts who want easy access to mountains and water, and those who value a calm, orderly environment over urban chaos.
The Verdict: If you want culture, history, and a city that never sleeps, Philadelphia wins. If you want tranquility, nature, and a focus on family and career, Redmond takes the crown.
The Dollar Power: Who Has More Buying Power?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's be real: Redmond has a staggering income, but Philadelphia has a cost of living that feels like a secret weapon. The data tells a vivid story.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Category | Philadelphia | Redmond | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $60,302 | $172,979 | Redmond |
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $1,350,000 | Philadelphia |
| 1BR Rent (Avg.) | $1,451 | $1,864 | Philadelphia |
| Housing Index | 117.8 | 151.5 | Philadelphia |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 726.5 | 372.1 | Redmond |
| Avg. Annual Temp | 52.0°F | 48.0°F | Philadelphia |
Salary Wars & The Purchasing Power Puzzle
Let's play out a scenario. You earn a solid $100,000 per year.
In Philadelphia, your money feels like it has superpowers. You can rent a nice one-bedroom for $1,451, which is about 17% of your pre-tax income. That leaves a massive chunk for savings, investing, or enjoying the city's amazing restaurant scene. Buying a home is actually within the realm of possibility—a median home price of $270,375 is a far cry from the national average and feels achievable for a dual-income household.
In Redmond, that same $100,000 salary hits a wall of reality. The median home price is $1.35 million. To even qualify for a mortgage on that, you'd need a household income well over $300,000. Rent at $1,864 is higher, but the real gut punch is the housing market. You're competing with Microsoft engineers pulling in $200k+ and dual-income tech couples. Your purchasing power, despite a higher salary, is significantly diluted.
The Tax Angle: Washington State has 0% income tax, which is a huge boost to your take-home pay. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. So, on a $100k salary, you'd pay about $3,070 in state income tax in Philly, while in Redmond, you'd pay $0. That's an extra $255 in your pocket each month. However, this tax advantage is often negated by Washington's higher sales and property taxes.
The Bottom Line on Dollars: If you're earning a tech-level salary ($150k+), Redmond's 0% income tax is a major perk. But for the vast majority of earners, Philadelphia offers dramatically better bang for your buck. You can live a comfortable, even luxurious, lifestyle in Philly on an income that would feel strained in Redmond.
The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying
Philadelphia: This is a renter's and buyer's market. The housing index of 117.8 sits just above the national average, but the sheer volume of housing stock—from historic rowhomes to modern apartments—creates competition but not desperation. You can afford to buy. The median home price of $270,375 is a fraction of the national median. For a $50k down payment (about 18%), you could own a piece of this city. Renting is also a viable long-term strategy; the $1,451 rent is stable and manageable.
Redmond: This is a cutthroat seller's market. With a housing index of 151.5, it's one of the most expensive markets in the country. The median home price of $1.35 million is a barrier so high that only the top 10% of earners can realistically buy in. Competition is fierce, bidding wars are the norm, and cash offers are common. If you're not in the tech elite, you are almost certainly renting. And even renting is expensive, with $1,864 for a one-bedroom being the starting point.
The Verdict: For homeownership dreams, Philadelphia is in a different universe. It's one of the last major cities where the middle class can still buy a home. Redmond is a high-stakes game reserved for the wealthy.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
Philadelphia: The commute can be a beast. The city is dense, and public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but aging and sometimes unreliable. Driving in Center City is frustrating. However, the city is walkable, and many neighborhoods have a "15-minute city" feel where you can access daily needs on foot.
Redmond: As a suburb, traffic is heavily dependent on I-405 and SR-520. Commute times into Seattle can be brutal (often 45-90 minutes). However, within Redmond itself, traffic is lighter, and the city is designed for cars. The Pacific Northwest's public transit is good but not as comprehensive as Philly's.
Weather
Philadelphia: You get all four seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), winters can be cold and snowy. But spring and fall are gorgeous. It's a classic Northeast climate.
Redmond: The Pacific Northwest stereotype is real: gray, drizzly winters and mild, dry summers. It's rarely too hot or too cold (averaging 48°F), but the lack of sun from October to May can be a serious psychological challenge. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real concern.
Crime & Safety
Philadelphia: With a violent crime rate of 726.5 per 100k, the data is stark. Crime is a real issue, and it's highly neighborhood-dependent. Areas like Center City and Society Hill are very safe, while other neighborhoods have significant challenges. You have to be street-smart.
Redmond: With a violent crime rate of 372.1 per 100k, it's significantly safer than the national average and dramatically safer than Philly. It's one of the safest cities of its size in the US. For families, this is a massive selling point.
The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for You?
There is no single "winner." It's about aligning a city with your life stage and priorities. Here’s the breakdown.
🏆 Winner for Families: Redmond
- Why: Safety is the ultimate differentiator. The crime rate is half that of Philadelphia. The public schools are consistently top-ranked, and the community is built around family activities. The trade-off? You pay a premium for housing and likely need two high incomes to afford a home.
🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia
- Why: Unbeatable urban energy, a social scene that doesn't require a six-figure salary, and the chance to build a life (and maybe even buy property) without being house-poor. The city is full of young people, and the cost of living allows for a vibrant social life.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Philadelphia
- Why: This might surprise you, but Philly is a retiree's dream. First, the cost of living is manageable on a fixed income. Second, it's incredibly walkable with world-class healthcare (CHOP, Penn, Jefferson). You can live in a vibrant neighborhood without needing a car. Redmond's isolation and car-dependency can be challenging for seniors.
Philadelphia: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Unbeatable cost of living and housing affordability.
- Rich history, culture, and food scene.
- Walkable neighborhoods with big-city energy.
- Excellent higher education and healthcare institutions.
- Four distinct seasons.
Cons:
- High violent crime rate (neighborhood-dependent).
- Traffic and aging public infrastructure.
- Hot and humid summers.
- City services can be slow.
Redmond: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extremely safe with low crime rates.
- Top-tier public schools and family-friendly community.
- Stunning natural beauty (mountains, lakes, evergreens).
- Clean, green, and orderly environment.
- 0% state income tax.
Cons:
- Eye-wateringly expensive housing market.
- Gray, drizzly weather for half the year.
- Can feel isolating or "sleepy" for young singles.
- High cost of living overall (groceries, services).
- Car-dependent; difficult to live without a vehicle.
The Final Word: If you're chasing a high-powered tech career and have the income to match, Redmond offers a safe, beautiful, and financially savvy (no income tax) base. But for almost everyone else—anyone who wants to own a home, feel the pulse of a city, and have their paycheck stretch—Philadelphia is the smarter, more livable choice. It’s a city that rewards you for showing up, with a soul that Redmond's manicured lawns can't match.