📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Renton and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
Renton vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Renton | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $100,237 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.6% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $687,500 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $373 | $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) | 456.0 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 38.4% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 45 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Philadelphia vs. Renton: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
You're standing at a crossroads. One path leads to a gritty, historic metropolis with a legendary chip on its shoulder. The other leads to a scenic, tech-fueled suburb nestled by a lake, where the mountains loom in the distance. It's the classic East Coast vs. Pacific Northwest showdown. In one corner, we have Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, a dense, walkable urban beast. In the other, Renton, a Seattle suburb that's quietly become a powerhouse in its own right.
This isn't just about geography; it's about your entire lifestyle. Are you looking for the vibrant, non-stop energy of a major city, or the balanced, outdoor-accessible life of the suburbs? We're going to break it down, dollar by dollar, street by street, to help you decide where to plant your roots. Let's get into it.
The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Scenery
Philadelphia is a city that wears its history proudly. Walk down its cobblestone streets, and you're stepping in the footprints of the Founding Fathers. But this isn't a museum; it's a living, breathing organism. It's a city of neighborhoods—each with its own distinct personality, from the artsy, row-house-lined streets of Fishtown to the historic, wealthy enclaves of Society Hill. The vibe is unapologetically East Coast: fast-paced, direct, and packed with world-class museums, a legendary food scene (cheesesteaks are just the beginning), and a passionate sports culture. It’s a city for people who want to be in the thick of it all, who thrive on the energy of a million-plus neighbors and the convenience of walking to a coffee shop, a bar, or a museum.
Renton, on the other hand, offers a different kind of energy. It's a laid-back, Pacific Northwest hub. Once a coal-mining and aviation town, it’s now home to major employers like Boeing and PACCAR, and it's just a stone's throw from the tech giants of Seattle and Bellevue. The vibe is achievable and scenic. Life revolves around the water (Lake Washington and the Cedar River), hiking trails in the nearby Cascades, and a strong sense of community. It's less about "grit" and more about balance. You can have a high-powered career, then be on a hiking trail or kayaking within 20 minutes. It’s for those who want access to a major metro's job market without the brutal commute or concrete jungle of the city center.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?
This is where the rubber meets the road. We're not just looking at raw numbers; we're talking about purchasing power. Where does a dollar stretch further? The data tells a stark story.
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | Philadelphia | Renton | The Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $60,302 | $100,237 | Renton |
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $687,500 | Philadelphia |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $1,864 | Philadelphia |
| Housing Index | 117.8 | 151.5 | Philadelphia |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 726.5 | 456.0 | Renton |
Philadelphia offers a massive bang for your buck. With a median home price of $270,375, you're looking at a market that is, frankly, astonishingly affordable for a major U.S. city. The median rent of $1,451 for a one-bedroom is also significantly more manageable. The catch? The median income is only $60,302. This means while housing is cheaper, the overall income is lower. The key here is field and career. In high-paying sectors like healthcare, law, and finance, you can find salaries that rival national averages while enjoying a cost of living that feels like a steal.
Renton is a different beast entirely. The median income is a robust $100,237, but you pay for it. The median home price is a staggering $687,500, and rent for a one-bedroom averages $1,864. This is the Seattle metro effect. The cost of living is high, but so are the salaries, especially in tech, engineering, and aviation. The trade-off is clear: you'll earn more, but your biggest expense—housing—will consume a much larger chunk of your budget. The Housing Index numbers (117.8 for Philly vs. 151.5 for Renton) confirm this, with Renton being over 28% more expensive for housing alone.
The Tax Twist: This is a dealbreaker for many. Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state income tax. Washington State has 0% state income tax. This is a massive financial advantage for Renton, especially for high earners. A professional making $150,000 in Renton keeps thousands more each year than their counterpart in Philadelphia. However, Washington makes up for it with high sales taxes (around 10% in Renton) and property taxes. The net effect depends on your spending and earning habits.
Verdict on Purchasing Power: If you're in a high-paying profession (tech, engineering) and value the 0% income tax, Renton's higher salary can still go far, especially if you're a dual-income household. However, for most people, especially those with a more moderate income, Philadelphia's lower housing costs provide a significantly lower barrier to entry and a more financially accessible lifestyle overall.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Philadelphia: A Buyer's Market (with Caveats)
With a median home price of $270,375, Philadelphia is one of the last major cities where homeownership feels attainable. You can find a fixer-upper row house for under $200k or a move-in ready condo for $300k. The market is generally active but not as cutthroat as coastal tech hubs. However, competition is fierce for the best properties in the most desirable neighborhoods (like Center City, Fishtown, or Queen Village). Property taxes are also a factor; while the city's rate is high, the lower home prices keep annual taxes more manageable than in many suburbs.
Renton: A Seller's Market (No Doubt)
Buying in Renton is a serious financial commitment. The median price of $687,500 means you need a substantial down payment and a high income to qualify for a mortgage. It's a seller's market, driven by strong demand from Seattle-area workers seeking more space and a better value than the city itself. Inventory is tight, and desirable homes often receive multiple offers. Renting is a more accessible entry point, but even that commands a premium. The rental market is tight, with low vacancy rates.
The Bottom Line on Housing: Philadelphia wins on affordability and accessibility for first-time buyers. It's a market where you can realistically plan to buy. Renton is for those with established careers and savings, ready to make a significant investment in a high-cost, high-demand area.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Philadelphia: Traffic can be gnarly, especially on I-95 and the Schuylkill Expressway. However, its density is a blessing. A huge percentage of residents live within walking distance of work, or they use the extensive SEPTA system (subways, buses, regional rail). The average commute is about 30 minutes, and the lack of a car is a viable option in many neighborhoods.
- Renton: This is the Pacific Northwest's classic challenge. You have a world-class job in Seattle or Bellevue, but you're crossing Lake Washington. The commute can be brutal—45 minutes to an hour each way is common, and that's without accidents. Traffic on I-405 and I-5 is notoriously congested. Most residents rely heavily on cars, though some express bus options exist. The commute is a major lifestyle factor.
Weather
- Philadelphia: Be ready for seasons. Summers are hot and humid (highs in the 80s-90s). Winters are cold with an average of 13 inches of snow annually. Spring and fall are beautiful but can be unpredictable. If you hate humidity, this could be a problem.
- Renton: The weather is famously mild but often gray. Summers are gorgeous (averaging 70s-80s), but the region is known for its long, drizzly winters from November to April. Snow is rare in the lowlands. The trade-off is stunning greenery year-round and easy access to outdoor activities, but the lack of sun can be a serious mood dampener for some.
Crime & Safety
Let's be direct: Renton is statistically safer. The violent crime rate of 456.0 per 100k is significantly lower than Philadelphia's 726.5 per 100k. However, this data requires context. Philadelphia is a massive, dense city of 1.5 million people. Crime is heavily concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Areas like Center City, Society Hill, and parts of West Philadelphia are very safe. In Renton, crime is also not evenly distributed. This is a category where your specific neighborhood choice matters more than the city-wide average.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?
After weighing the data, the lifestyle, and the financials, here's the final breakdown.
Winner for Families: Philadelphia
While Renton has excellent schools and a strong community feel, Philadelphia's affordability is the ultimate family-friendly feature. The ability to buy a home with a yard for $300k instead of $700k+ changes everything. You have access to top-tier museums, zoos, and parks (like Fairmount Park), plus a diverse range of public and private school options. The trade-off is navigating the city's challenges, but for families seeking space, culture, and financial breathing room, Philly offers a compelling package.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Philadelphia
For the under-35 crowd, Philadelphia's energy, walkability, and social scene are unmatched. You can live in a vibrant, walkable neighborhood without needing a car, go out to world-class bars and restaurants, and still afford a decent apartment. The lower cost of living means you can save money or spend it on experiences. Renton is great for young professionals in tech, but it's more suburban and family-oriented. Philly is a city that feels alive 24/7, perfect for building a social life and career.
Winner for Retirees: Renton
This is a tough call, but Renton gets the nod for retirees who value climate and scenery. The milder winters (no shoveling!) and lack of state income tax are huge financial and quality-of-life benefits for those on a fixed income. Access to outdoor activities is unparalleled. However, Philadelphia's Walk Score (87) is far superior to Renton's (48), meaning much of Philly is easy to navigate without a car—a critical factor as mobility changes. Retirees who prioritize an urban, walkable environment with rich cultural offerings might find Philadelphia's lower cost of living and walkability more appealing.
Philadelphia: Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Extreme Affordability: A major city with a manageable cost of living.
- Walkability & Transit: Easy to live car-free in many neighborhoods.
- Rich Culture & History: World-class museums, food, and history on every corner.
- Vibrant Social Scene: Endless options for dining, nightlife, and sports.
CONS:
- Higher Crime Rate: Statistically more dangerous, though highly neighborhood-dependent.
- Challenging Weather: Hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
- Traffic Congestion: Driving can be frustrating.
- Lower Incomes in Many Fields: The salary ceiling is lower than in tech hubs.
Renton: Pros & Cons
PROS:
- High Salaries: Strong job market, especially in tech and engineering.
- 0% State Income Tax: A significant financial advantage.
- Outdoor Access: Unbeatable proximity to mountains, lakes, and hiking.
- Safer & More Family-Oriented: Lower crime and a strong community feel.
CONS:
- Extremely High Housing Costs: A major barrier to entry for buying and renting.
- Traffic & Commutes: A daily grind for many working in Seattle/Bellevue.
- "Gray" Winters: Long, drizzly seasons can impact mood.
- Less Urban Walkability: A car is almost a necessity.
The Bottom Line: Choose Philadelphia if you want the energy and culture of a major city at a fraction of the cost, and you're willing to trade some grit for affordability. Choose Renton if you're a high-earning professional who prioritizes outdoor living, a safer environment, and the financial benefits of Washington's tax structure, and you can stomach the steep price of admission.