Rutland vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Rutland	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$55,000	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$255,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$150	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$997	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	123.6	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	105.3	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	173.3	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	32.2%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	40

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

Welcome to the ultimate showdown. You’re deciding between two worlds that share a state but are galaxies apart: Philadelphia, the gritty, historic, fast-paced City of Brotherly Love, and Rutland, the quiet, scenic, small-town heart of Vermont. This isn’t just about picking a zip code; it’s about picking an entire lifestyle. Are you craving the electric buzz of a major metro, or the profound peace of a rural community?

Let’s be real—this is a choice between a major city and a small town. Philly offers an endless buffet of culture, career opportunities, and nightlife. Rutland offers a simpler, slower pace where nature is the main attraction and community ties run deep. There’s no wrong answer, but one of these is almost certainly wrong for you.

Here’s the unvarnished, data-driven breakdown to help you choose.

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The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Small-Town Charm

Philadelphia is a city of contradictions. It’s home to the Liberty Bell and the cheesesteak, Ivy League universities and gritty rowhouses, world-class art museums and a passionate, sometimes hostile, sports fanbase. The energy is palpable. You’ll hear a dozen languages on the subway, smell roasting coffee from corner cafes, and feel the weight of history on every cobblestone street. It’s a city for the ambitious, the curious, and those who thrive on constant stimulation.

Rutland is the definition of a Vermont town. It’s nestled in the Green Mountains, with a population that’s a fraction of Philadelphia’s single largest high school. Life revolves around the seasons: hiking and maple sugaring in the spring and fall, skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, and lake days in the summer. The pace is deliberate. The biggest traffic jam is a tractor on Route 7. It’s a place for those seeking solitude, a connection to nature, and a strong sense of local community.

Who is each city for?

• Philadelphia is for the urban explorer, the career-driven professional, the culture vulture, and anyone who wants to be at the center of the action. It’s for people who define convenience as having a 24-hour deli and a subway that runs until 1 AM.
• Rutland is for the outdoor enthusiast, the remote worker craving peace, the retiree looking for a safe, quiet community, and the family wanting to raise kids with more trees than screens. It’s for people who define convenience as being able to find a parking spot in front of the grocery store.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk real purchasing power. The key metric here isn’t just the raw income; it’s what that income can actually buy after covering your basic living costs.

Cost of Living: Head-to-Head

Expense Category	Philadelphia, PA	Rutland, VT	The Takeaway
Median Income	$60,302	$55,000	Philly has a slight edge, but it's not a huge gap.
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$997	Rutland wins by a mile. Philly rent is 45% higher.
Utilities (Monthly)	~$150-200	~$200-250	Philly wins. Rutland's harsh winters drive heating costs up.
Groceries	Index: 117.8	Index: 123.6	Philly wins. Surprisingly, groceries are slightly cheaper in the city.
Overall COL Index	117.8	123.6	Philly is slightly cheaper overall. This is the big surprise.

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Analysis

Let’s say you earn $100,000 in both locations. Where does it feel like more?

• In Philadelphia: Your $100k salary is about 66% above the median. After federal and state taxes (PA has a flat 3.07% income tax), your take-home is roughly $74,000. You’ll spend about $17,400 on rent for a decent 1BR. That leaves you with $56,600 for everything else. It’s comfortable, but you’ll need to budget carefully. The city’s high costs (parking, entertainment, eating out) can eat into that fast.
• In Rutland: Your $100k salary is a staggering 82% above the median. Vermont’s income tax is progressive, but for this bracket, expect to pay around 6% state tax. Take-home is roughly $82,000. You’ll spend about $11,964 on rent. That leaves you with $70,036 for everything else. Your money goes significantly further in Rutland. You’ll feel like a high-roller. However, this comes with a caveat: Rutland’s job market is tiny. A $100k salary in Rutland is likely remote or in a very specific, high-demand field. In Philly, it’s a common professional salary.

Insight: Philly’s slightly lower overall cost of living is a shocker, but it’s driven by lower utilities and groceries. The rent premium in Philly is massive. However, Rutland’s low population and limited job market mean high salaries are rare. For the average earner, Rutland is cheaper, but for a remote worker, Rutland offers unbeatable purchasing power.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia:

• Renting: It’s a renter’s market in terms of inventory, but competition is fierce for nice units, especially in popular neighborhoods. You’ll find everything from luxury high-rises to classic rowhouse apartments. The median rent is $1,451, but in trendy areas like Fishtown or Rittenhouse, expect to pay $1,800+ for a 1BR.
• Buying: The median home price is $270,375, which is actually reasonable for a major coastal city. The market is competitive but not cutthroat. You get historic rowhouses, condos, and single-family homes in the city proper. The Housing Index (117.8) indicates costs are 17.8% above the national average, but for a metro of this size, it’s a relative bargain.

Rutland:

• Renting: It’s a tight rental market. With so few units, vacancies are low. The median rent is $997, but finding a place can be a challenge. You’re competing with locals and a growing number of remote workers. Most rentals are single-family homes or apartments in older buildings.
• Buying: The median home price is $255,000, slightly lower than Philly. However, the Housing Index (123.6) is 23.6% above the national average, making it less affordable than Philly relative to local incomes. Inventory is extremely limited. You’re often competing with cash offers from out-of-state buyers. It’s a seller’s market defined by scarcity.

Verdict: Philly offers more housing variety and easier access for renters. For buyers, both markets are competitive, but Rutland’s scarcity can be a major hurdle. Philly’s higher median income helps offset its slightly higher home prices.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: Traffic is a daily reality. The Schuylkill and I-95 are notorious parking lots during rush hour. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but aging and can be unreliable. Commutes can easily be 45-60 minutes for a 10-mile trip. The stress is real.
• Rutland: The concept of “rush hour” is relative. A 5-minute delay at the single traffic light on Route 7 is the norm. Commutes are short, peaceful drives through scenic routes. The stress is virtually zero.

Weather:

• Philadelphia: Experiences all four seasons dramatically. Summers are hot and humid (avg 90°F+), with thunderstorms. Winters bring snow (avg 40-50 inches) and icy conditions. Spring and fall are beautiful but short. The weather is a key part of the city’s rhythm.
• Rutland: Winters are long, cold, and snowy. Average temps hover around 48°F, but that’s misleading. Expect sub-zero temps and 80+ inches of snow annually. Summers are mild and pleasant. The weather dictates life here; you must be prepared for winter.

Crime & Safety:

• Philadelphia: This is a significant factor. The city struggles with violent crime. The rate is 726.5 violent crimes per 100,000 people. While some neighborhoods are very safe, others are not. You must be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. It’s a city of stark contrasts.
• Rutland: Exceptionally safe. The violent crime rate is 173.3 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average and vastly safer than Philly. You can walk alone at night without much concern. This is a huge selling point for families and retirees.

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The Verdict: Who Wins?

Winner Category	City	Why
Winner for Families	Rutland	Safety is the ultimate dealbreaker. Lower crime, a tight-knit community, and outdoor activities make it a safer, more stable environment for raising kids. The trade-off is limited school options and fewer cultural activities.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros	Philly	Opportunity and excitement. The job market, networking, dating scene, nightlife, and cultural events are on a completely different level. You’ll meet more people and have more experiences. The higher cost is the price of admission.
Winner for Retirees	Rutland	Peace and safety. The slow pace, low crime, and natural beauty are ideal for retirement. The cost of living is manageable on a fixed income, especially if you own your home. Philly’s noise and traffic can be overwhelming.

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Final Pros & Cons

Philadelphia

Pros:

• World-Class Culture: Endless museums, theaters, restaurants, and history.
• Strong Job Market: Diverse industries from healthcare to finance to tech.
• Walkability & Transit: You can live car-free in many neighborhoods.
• Relative Affordability: For a major city, housing costs are surprisingly reasonable.
• Vibrant Energy: Constant activity and a palpable sense of life.

Cons:

• High Crime: Safety varies drastically by neighborhood and is a serious concern.
• Traffic & Commute: Daily stress and lost time.
• Urban Grime: It’s a city—expect noise, litter, and congestion.
• Weather Extremes: Brutal humidity and harsh winters.

Rutland

Pros:

• Extreme Safety: One of the safest places in the country.
• Natural Beauty: Unparalleled access to mountains, lakes, and forests.
• Low Traffic & Stress: A peaceful, slow-paced lifestyle.
• Strong Community: Tight-knit, friendly, and supportive.
• Lower Cost of Living: Your money goes further, especially for a remote worker.

Cons:

• Limited Job Market: Almost non-existent unless you work remotely.
• Isolation: Far from major airports, cultural events, and diverse dining.
• Harsh Winters: Long, cold, and snowy. Requires preparation and resilience.
• Lack of Diversity: The population is overwhelmingly white and less diverse than a major city.

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The Bottom Line

The choice is stark. Choose Philadelphia if you value career growth, cultural stimulation, and urban energy over safety and peace. It’s a city that rewards the ambitious and the socially inclined. You’ll pay for it in higher costs and higher stress, but you’ll gain a world of opportunity.

Choose Rutland if you prioritize safety, nature, and a quiet life above all else. It’s a haven for those who want to disconnect from the chaos of city living. You’ll trade job opportunities and variety for serenity and community. For the right person—especially a remote worker or retiree—it’s a paradise.

The data tells one story, but your heart tells another. Listen to it.