Sheridan vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Sheridan	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$61,598	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.4%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$327,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$230	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$876	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	111.5	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.1	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.2	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	34.8%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	35	40

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

Let's cut through the noise. If you're trying to decide between moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Sheridan, Wyoming, you're not just picking a zip code—you're choosing a lifestyle. This isn't a close race between two similar cities; it's a clash of titans from two entirely different worlds.

You've got the gritty, historic, high-energy metropolis of Philadelphia versus the wide-open, rugged, small-town charm of Sheridan. One is a major East Coast hub with 1.5 million residents; the other is a hidden gem out West with barely 19,000.

So, which side should you plant your flag? Let's break it down, dollar by dollar, street by street.

The Vibe Check: Metropolis vs. Mountain Town

Philadelphia is the quintessential East Coast urban beast. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality. You can grab a world-class cheesesteak in South Philly, wander through the cobblestone streets of Old City, or catch a concert at the Mann Center. It’s fast-paced, culturally dense, and packed with history. Think: walkable streets, an extensive subway system, and a vibe that’s part college town (thanks to a massive student population), part old-school industrial grit, and part burgeoning tech hub. It’s for the person who craves energy, diversity, and the convenience of having everything—museums, pro sports, top-tier hospitals, and a major airport—within arm's reach.

Sheridan is a different beast entirely. Nestled in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains in north-central Wyoming, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The vibe is laid-back, self-reliant, and deeply connected to nature. Life moves at a slower, more deliberate pace. Think: weekend camping trips, world-class fly-fishing, and a community where everyone knows your name. It’s a place where you buy a pickup truck on day one and your social calendar revolves around the seasons. This is for the person who wants to trade traffic jams for trailheads, city noise for the sound of wind through pines, and anonymity for a strong sense of community.

Who is each city for?

• Philadelphia is for the urbanite, the culture vulture, the career-driven professional, the foodie, and anyone who believes a city should be a 24/7 playground.
• Sheridan is for the adventurer, the peace-seeker, the remote worker who values space, and the family that wants to raise kids with dirt under their fingernails and mountains in their backyard.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?

At first glance, the median incomes look deceptively similar: $60,302 in Philly vs. $61,598 in Sheridan. But in the world of relocation, the real story isn't what you earn—it's what you can buy with it. This is where the "sticker shock" sets in.

Let’s get real about the cost of living. We're using a baseline where 100 = the national average. A number above 100 means it's more expensive; below 100 is cheaper.

Category	Philadelphia	Sheridan	Winner (Lower Cost)
Overall Cost of Living	117.8	111.5	Sheridan
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$876	Sheridan
Utilities	~$150-$200	~$250-$350	Philadelphia
Groceries	102.5	100.8	Sheridan

The Rent Chasm: The difference here is staggering. In Philadelphia, you're looking at $1,451 a month for a one-bedroom apartment, likely in a decent but not central neighborhood. In Sheridan, that same $876 gets you a lot more space, probably with a yard and a mountain view. That’s a monthly savings of $575, or $6,900 a year. That’s a vacation fund, a car payment, or a massive boost to your retirement account.

The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power: Here’s the kicker. If you earn a $100,000 salary in Philadelphia, your take-home pay after state income tax (a progressive rate up to 3.07%) and federal taxes is roughly $73,000. In Sheridan, Wyoming has 0% state income tax. On that same $100,000 salary, your take-home is closer to $76,000. That’s an extra $3,000 in your pocket before you even factor in the lower cost of living.

The Verdict on Your Wallet: While Sheridan has a slightly higher overall cost of living index, the data is skewed by one brutal factor: groceries and goods are more expensive in rural Wyoming due to transportation costs. However, the massive savings on housing and the 0% state income tax give Sheridan a clear edge in purchasing power for most people. In Philadelphia, your money gets eaten by rent and taxes. In Sheridan, it goes farther, especially if you're a homeowner.

Callout Box: The Financial Verdict
Winner: Sheridan. The combination of lower rent, no state income tax, and a similar median income means your $100k salary feels more like $110k in Sheridan than in Philadelphia. The deal is simple: you trade slightly higher costs for groceries and goods for a drastically lower housing bill and a fatter paycheck.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia is a renter's market with a fiercely competitive buying scene. The median home price is $270,375, which is surprisingly reasonable for a major coastal city. However, the competition is fierce. You're often competing against investors and cash buyers. The rental market is vast, with options from luxury high-rises in Center City to classic row homes in the neighborhoods. Availability is good, but prices are on a steady climb.

Sheridan is a classic seller's market. With a limited inventory and high demand from out-of-state buyers seeking a Western lifestyle, the median home price of $327,000 is actually lower than what you might expect. The catch? There's not much to buy. The market is tight, and desirable properties sell quickly, often with multiple offers. Renting is an option, but the rental stock is much smaller. You're more likely to find a single-family home to rent than an apartment complex.

The Bottom Line: If you're looking to rent, Philadelphia offers more variety and flexibility. If you're looking to buy, Philadelphia has more inventory but intense competition, while Sheridan offers more "bang for your buck" in terms of space and land but requires patience and readiness to move fast.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: The Schuylkill Expressway is a notorious parking lot. Commutes can be brutal, especially if you're driving into the city from the suburbs. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but can be unreliable. A 30-minute commute can easily stretch to 60+ during rush hour.
• Sheridan: Traffic is a foreign concept. Your "commute" is a scenic 10-15 minute drive across town. The biggest delay might be a herd of elk crossing the road. The trade-off? You're 2.5 hours from the nearest major airport (Billings, MT) and 5+ hours from a real metropolis (Denver, CO).

Weather:

• Philadelphia: Four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (highs in the 90s°F with oppressive humidity). Winters are cold and snowy, with average lows in the 20s°F. Spring and fall are glorious but brief. It's a "real" weather experience.
• Sheridan: A high-desert climate. Summers are warm and dry (highs in the 80s°F), with cool nights. Winters are cold and snowy, but it's a dry, sunny cold—easier to handle than Philly's damp chill. Summers are less humid, but be prepared for wind. The weather is generally more predictable and sunnier year-round.

Crime & Safety:
Let's be blunt. The data tells a stark story.

Metric	Philadelphia	Sheridan	Winner (Safer)
Violent Crime Rate (per 100k)	726.5	234.2	Sheridan

Philadelphia's violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100,000 people, which is significantly above the national average. Crime is highly localized; some neighborhoods are incredibly safe and vibrant, while others face serious challenges. You must research your specific neighborhood.
Sheridan's violent crime rate is 234.2 per 100,000, well below the national average. It’s one of the safest communities of its size in the country. The biggest public safety concerns are weather-related hazards (blizzards, wildfires) and wildlife encounters.

Callout Box: The Safety & Stress Verdict
Winner: Sheridan. By a landslide. The data doesn't lie. If personal safety and low crime are your top priorities, Sheridan is in a different league. Philadelphia requires more vigilance and neighborhood-specific research.

The Final Verdict: Where Should You Move?

This isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. Your perfect city depends entirely on your life stage, personality, and priorities.

• Winner for Families: Sheridan. The combination of ultra-low crime, excellent public schools (small class sizes), affordable housing (for a house with a yard), and a safe, outdoor-centric lifestyle is hard to beat. You trade the convenience of endless activities for a high-quality, community-focused upbringing.
• Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia. The career opportunities, networking potential, cultural scene, nightlife, and dating pool are exponentially larger. You can build a career, enjoy world-class entertainment, and connect with a diverse community. The energy and options are unparalleled.
• Winner for Retirees: Toss-Up (Leans Sheridan). This is tough. Philadelphia offers walkability, top-tier healthcare, and a senior-friendly cultural scene. But Sheridan wins on peace, safety, low taxes, and an active outdoor lifestyle for those who want to stay healthy. The winner depends on whether you value urban convenience or serene nature more.

Philadelphia: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• World-class culture, food, and history
• Major job market across diverse industries
• Extensive public transportation
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Proximity to other major cities (NYC, DC)

Cons:

• High cost of living, especially rent
• Significant crime in certain areas
• Brutal traffic and stressful commutes
• State income tax
• Humid summers and harsh winters

Sheridan: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional safety and low crime
• Unbeatable access to outdoor recreation
• No state income tax
• Strong sense of community
• More affordable housing (for a house/land)

Cons:

• Very limited job market (mainly healthcare, education, trades)
• Isolated from major metros and airports
• Higher costs for groceries and goods
• Harsh winters with significant snow
• Limited cultural and dining options

The Bottom Line: Choose Philadelphia if you're chasing career growth, cultural immersion, and the pulse of a major city. Choose Sheridan if you're prioritizing safety, affordability, space, and a life lived closer to nature. Your wallet will thank you in Sheridan, but your social and professional life may thrive more in Philadelphia. The choice is yours.