Roswell vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Roswell	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$119,657	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$648,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$233	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,643	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	110.9	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	99.8	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	400.7	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	—	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	27	40

Philadelphia vs. Roswell: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing a place to live is like picking a life partner—it’s a long-term commitment with a lot of moving parts. You’re not just comparing zip codes; you’re comparing lifestyles. So, let’s cut the fluff and get straight to the point. Are you a city soul who thrives on the buzz of history and grit, or are you looking for a polished, suburban sanctuary with a high-end feel?

Today, we’re putting two very different cities in the ring: the historic, high-energy powerhouse of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania versus the affluent, charming, and family-centric suburb of Roswell, Georgia.

This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about where you’ll feel at home. Let’s dive in.

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The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Gloss

Philadelphia is the "City of Brotherly Love" that bites back. It’s a place where colonial history collides with modern street art, and where a cheesesteak is a legitimate food group. Life here is fast-paced, unapologetically real, and deeply walkable. You’ll find world-class museums, a legendary sports culture, and a diverse, sprawling population of 1.55 million. Philly is for the urban adventurer—the person who wants to feel a city’s pulse and doesn’t mind a little roughness around the edges. It’s gritty, authentic, and endlessly fascinating.

Roswell, on the other hand, is the poster child for Southern suburban perfection. Located in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, it’s a city of 91,708 that feels like a well-kept secret. The vibe here is laid-back and family-oriented. Think strolls through historic downtown squares, top-rated schools, manicured parks, and a strong sense of community. Roswell isn’t about the hustle; it’s about balance. It’s for the person who wants big-city access (Atlanta is a short drive away) without the concrete jungle. It’s polished, safe, and built for a comfortable life.

Verdict:

• Philly is for the urbanist, the history buff, and the culture seeker.
• Roswell is for the suburban family, the professional seeking tranquility, and the safety-conscious.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk cold, hard cash. The first thing to note is the massive income gap: Roswell’s median income is $119,657 compared to Philly’s $60,302. But does a higher salary automatically mean a better quality of life? Not always. Let’s break down the purchasing power.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Here’s a head-to-head look at your monthly expenses. (Note: These are indexed averages to give a true comparison.)

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Roswell, GA	The Takeaway
Housing (Rent 1BR)	$1,451	$1,643	Roswell is about 13% more expensive for a standard rental. Sticker shock hits harder here.
Utilities	~$180	~$170	A negligible difference. Both face seasonal highs, but Philly’s older housing stock can mean less efficient heating/cooling.
Groceries & Essentials	~10% below national avg.	~5% above national avg.	Philly wins decisively here. Your grocery bill will be noticeably lighter in Philadelphia.
Overall Cost of Living	Housing Index: 117.8	Housing Index: 110.9	Philly’s housing is slightly more burdensome relative to local income, but overall, the city is more affordable for daily goods.

The Salary War: The $100k Question

Let’s play a thought experiment. If you earn a $100,000 salary in each city, where does it feel like more?

• In Philadelphia: Your $100k is 66% above the median income. You’ll feel upper-middle-class. You can afford a nice apartment, eat out often, and enjoy the city’s amenities without financial strain. The lower costs for groceries and entertainment stretch your dollar further.
• In Roswell: Your $100k is actually 17% below the median income. You’ll feel solidly middle-class, but you won’t be the heavyweight on the block. With a higher cost of living (especially housing), your $100k buys you a more modest lifestyle compared to your Philly counterpart. You’ll have to budget more carefully for housing.

The Tax Twist: Georgia has a 5% flat income tax, while Pennsylvania has a 3.07% flat income tax. However, Philadelphia has an additional 3.8% city wage tax for residents (though it’s phased out for some). This can tip the scales. For high earners, PA’s lower state rate might be a win, but for many, the city tax is a real hit. Georgia’s overall tax burden is generally considered lighter, but the high cost of living in Roswell can offset that advantage.

Verdict: For pure purchasing power and feeling "rich" on a moderate salary, Philadelphia wins. Your day-to-day dollar stretches further. Roswell is a premium market where you need a higher income to live the same lifestyle.

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The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?

Philadelphia: A Renter’s Market with Entry-Level Ownership

Philly is a massive, dense city. Renting is the norm for many, and the market is highly competitive but offers variety. From downtown high-rises to classic row homes in Queen Village, you have options. The median home price of $270,375 is a beacon for first-time buyers. It’s one of the last major Northeast cities where homeownership feels within reach. However, you’re buying into older housing stock (often 50-100+ years old), which means charm but also potential maintenance headaches. It’s a buyer’s market in many neighborhoods, with less frenzy than coastal metros.

Roswell: A Seller’s Market of High-End Homes

Roswell’s housing market is a different beast. The median home price is a staggering $648,000—over 2.3x Philly’s price. This isn’t a starter-home market; it’s a move-up market. You’re buying into a community with newer construction, larger lots, and top-tier schools, which command a premium. The market is fiercely competitive, often a seller’s market, with homes selling quickly and often above asking price. Renting is also more expensive and scarce, as most development is geared toward ownership.

Verdict: If you’re looking for an affordable entry into homeownership, Philadelphia is the clear winner. If you’re ready for a premium, family-oriented home in a polished community and have the budget for it, Roswell delivers.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: Traffic is a beast, but the city is designed for public transit. The SEPTA system (subway, buses, regional rail) is extensive. Many residents live car-free or car-light. The walkability score is high in core areas.
• Roswell: You are car-dependent. While Atlanta’s MARTA system exists, it doesn’t extend far into the northern suburbs. Commuting to Atlanta for work can mean 45-90 minutes in traffic each way. Life in Roswell requires a car for everything.

Weather

Both cities share a similar average temperature of 52°F, but the experiences are worlds apart.

• Philly: Experiences four true seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ common), winters bring snow and slush (30°F), and spring/fall are glorious but brief. Humidity is a major factor.
• Roswell: Has a milder version of a Southern climate. Summers are hot and humid (often 90°F+ for months), winters are short and mild (rarely below freezing), and spring/fall are long and beautiful. The growing season is much longer.

Crime & Safety

This is a stark contrast. Let’s be direct and use the data.

• Philadelphia: Violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100,000. This is significantly above the national average. Crime is not uniform; it’s highly neighborhood-dependent. Some areas are incredibly safe, while others face serious challenges. You must research neighborhoods meticulously.
• Roswell: Violent crime rate is 400.7 per 100,000. This is still above the national average but is notably lower than Philly’s rate. Roswell is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Georgia for its size.

Verdict: Roswell wins decisively on safety and a more predictable, car-friendly lifestyle. Philly offers a walkable, transit-rich life but demands vigilance and neighborhood savvy.

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The Final Verdict

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Your personal priorities will dictate the winner.

• Winner for Families: Roswell. The combination of top-rated public schools, low violent crime rates, abundant parks, and a family-centric community is hard to beat. The higher housing cost is the price of admission for this premium, safe environment.
• Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Philadelphia. The lower cost of living, vibrant social scene, walkability, and career opportunities in a major metro area are unbeatable. You can live like a king on a $70k salary here, which would feel tight in Roswell.
• Winner for Retirees: It’s a toss-up, but Roswell edges out. Retirees on fixed incomes will find Philly’s lower costs appealing, but Roswell’s safety, milder winters, and slower pace of life are incredibly attractive. However, Philly’s excellent healthcare (Penn, Jefferson) and cultural amenities are a huge draw. It depends on whether you prioritize cost or comfort.

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The Final Scorecard: Pros & Cons

Philadelphia

Pros:

• Incredible Affordability for a major Northeast city.
• World-class culture, history, and food at your doorstep.
• Walkable and transit-rich—you can live without a car.
• Dynamic, diverse population—always something new happening.
• Access to other major metros (NYC, DC) via train.

Cons:

• High violent crime rate (neighborhood-dependent).
• Old, often inefficient housing stock (drafty winters, hot summers).
• City wage tax reduces take-home pay.
• Winters can be harsh and gray.
• Traffic congestion is intense if you drive.

Roswell

Pros:

• Extremely safe relative to Philadelphia and national averages.
• Excellent public schools and family-oriented community.
• Polished, charming downtown with great restaurants and parks.
• Milder winters and a long growing season.
• Proximity to Atlanta’s job market and international airport.

Cons:

• High cost of living, especially housing ($648k median home price).
• Car-dependent—no real walkability or public transit.
• Homogeneous culture compared to a major city.
• Atlanta traffic can make commutes brutal.
• Feels more like a suburb than a destination city in its own right.

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Final Word: If your heart beats for the energy of a city and you want your money to go further, Philadelphia is your town. If you’re building a life centered on safety, schools, and a serene quality of life and can afford the premium, Roswell is your sanctuary. Choose wisely.