Somerville vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Somerville	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$126,619	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	4.7%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$905,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$631	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,064	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	148.2	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.7	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.83	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	69.9%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	38	40

Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Philadelphia and Somerville, written as a Relocation Expert & Data Journalist.

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Philadelphia vs. Somerville: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Philadelphia—the gritty, historic, underdog metropolis of the Mid-Atlantic. On the other, Somerville—the hyper-urban, walkable, and notoriously expensive enclave just outside Boston.

Choosing between these two isn't just about picking a zip code; it's a choice between two vastly different lifestyles, economies, and futures. As someone who’s seen countless people make this exact move (or agonize over it), I’m here to cut through the noise. We’re going to look at the numbers, the vibes, and the dealbreakers to help you figure out where you truly belong.

Let’s get into it.

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The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Hipster Density

Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods. It’s the "City of Brotherly Love" that has a chip on its shoulder. It’s not trying to be New York; in fact, it prides itself on being the anti-New York. The culture here is unpretentious, deeply historic, and fueled by a love of hoagies, cheesesteaks, and passionate sports fans. It’s a major metro area (population 1.55 million) with a small-town feel in its best pockets. You’ll find rowhomes, double-parked cars, and a bustling arts scene in neighborhoods like Fishtown and West Philly. It’s for the person who wants big-city amenities—museums, airports, concerts—without the soul-crushing price tag of a coastal megacity.

Somerville, on the other hand, is the definition of hyper-urban density. With a population of just 80,407, it’s tiny geographically but packs a punch. It’s the heart of "Yankee Ingenuity" meets "Hipster Haven." Think craft breweries, farm-to-table everything, and a walkability score that’s off the charts. It’s a city of squares (Union, Davis, Inman), each with its own distinct personality. However, it is intensely competitive. You aren’t just living in Somerville; you’re living in the shadow of Boston, with its world-class universities and biotech hubs. It’s for the high-achieving young professional who values walkability and proximity to innovation over square footage.

Who is it for?

• Philadelphia: The budget-conscious urbanist, the history buff, the foodie who loves a bargain, and the family looking for space.
• Somerville: The young professional with a high income, the academic/researcher, the person who wants to live in a dense, walkable, and progressive community.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like More?

This is where the rubber meets the road. You might be earning a six-figure salary in Somerville, but the cost of living is a different beast entirely. Let’s break down the purchasing power.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Category	Philadelphia	Somerville	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$270,375	$905,000	Somerville’s market is in a different universe.
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$2,064	Philly is 42% cheaper for renters.
Housing Index	117.8	148.2	Somerville housing is 25% more expensive than the national average.
Median Income	$60,302	$126,619	Somerville residents earn double, but it’s mostly eaten by costs.

The Salary Wars: $100k in Each City

Let’s play a game. You make $100,000 a year. Where do you feel richer?

• In Philadelphia: You are well above the median income. You can afford a nice 1-bedroom apartment in a desirable neighborhood (like Fitler Square or Rittenhouse) for $1,600-$1,800, leaving you a healthy chunk for savings, dining out, and Eagles tickets. You could even start looking at buying a starter home or a rowhome in up-and-coming areas for under $300k. Your purchasing power is strong.
• In Somerville: At $100k, you are slightly above the national median but below the local median. That $2,064 rent for a 1BR will eat up nearly 25% of your pre-tax income, which is the upper limit of what’s considered affordable. Buying a home is a fantasy for most at this salary level. You’ll be competing with dual-income tech couples and academics with trust funds.

Insight on Taxes: Both cities are in high-tax states. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%, while Massachusetts has a progressive system (ranging from 5% to 9%). However, MA doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, which matters for retirees. For the working class, Philly’s tax burden is slightly lighter on the income side, but property taxes can be a shock in certain PA suburbs.

Verdict on Dollar Power: If you want your money to go further, Philadelphia is the undisputed winner. The gap in home prices is staggering. In Somerville, you’re paying a premium for density and prestige; in Philly, you’re paying for history and accessibility.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia (The Buyer’s Market for the Middle Class)
Philadelphia’s housing market is accessible. The median home price of $270,375 is within striking distance for many middle-income earners. You can find renovated rowhomes, spacious apartments, and even single-family houses in the city limits. The market is competitive but not cutthroat. For renters, inventory is better, and while prices are rising, they haven’t hit the stratospheric levels of Boston or NYC. It’s a market where you can plant roots without needing a venture capital exit.

Somerville (The Seller’s Market for the Wealthy)
Somerville’s housing market is a pressure cooker. With a median home price of $905,000, you are firmly in luxury territory. Inventory is incredibly low; what’s available gets multiple offers, often well over asking. Renting is the only viable option for most, but even that is expensive and fiercely competitive. You aren’t just competing with locals; you’re competing with people being relocated by biotech firms. If you want to buy here, you need a massive down payment and a high tolerance for stress.

The Dealbreaker: If your dream is homeownership, Philadelphia is the only realistic choice for the average earner. In Somerville, homeownership is a luxury reserved for the top earners or those who bought in decades ago.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: Traffic can be heavy, especially on I-76 and I-95, but the city is relatively grid-friendly. The SEPTA system (subway, regional rail, buses) is extensive and affordable. A commute from the suburbs to Center City is manageable. Walkability is high in center city but drops off in the outer neighborhoods.
• Somerville: Traffic is notoriously bad. The roads are narrow, and you’re competing with Boston commuters. However, the public transit is elite. The MBTA "T" (subway) and bus system are robust, and biking is a way of life. Walkability is exceptional—most errands can be done on foot.

Weather

• Philadelphia (52°F Avg): Philly has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (regularly hitting 90°F+), winters are cold with occasional snowstorms. It’s a classic Mid-Atlantic climate—beautiful springs and falls, but you need a wardrobe for all extremes.
• Somerville (48°F Avg): Similar to Philly but a notch colder and grayer. New England winters are brutal—long, dark, and snowy. The humidity is lower in summer, but the winter chill seeps into your bones. If you hate the cold, Somerville is a tough sell.

Crime & Safety

• Philadelphia: Let’s be honest—Philadelphia has significant crime challenges. The violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100k, which is high. However, this is heavily neighborhood-dependent. Areas like Center City, Queen Village, and Chestnut Hill are very safe, while others struggle. It requires street smarts and research.
• Somerville: Somerville is significantly safer, with a violent crime rate of 234.0 per 100k. It’s a dense, residential city with a strong community feel. While no city is crime-free, Somerville’s stats are much closer to the national average and far below Philadelphia’s.

The Verdict on Safety: Somerville is objectively safer by the numbers. If safety is your number one priority, the data points to Somerville.

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The Final Verdict: Who Wins?

Choosing a city is deeply personal, but based on the data and lifestyle analysis, here are the clear winners for specific demographics.

Winner for Families: Philadelphia

Why? Space and affordability. Families need room to grow, and Philadelphia offers single-family homes and larger rowhomes at a fraction of the cost of Somerville. The school district is large and complex, but there are excellent charter and private options. You get a backyard, a driveway, and proximity to parks for less than the cost of a 1BR in Somerville.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: It Depends on Your Income

• If you make under $100k: Philadelphia. You’ll live better, save more, and have a social life that doesn’t revolve around your budget.
• If you make over $150k and prioritize walkability/urban grit: Somerville. You’ll be in the heart of innovation, with the best transit and a vibrant, educated community. But be prepared to spend a huge portion of your income on housing.

Winner for Retirees: Philadelphia

Why? Cost of living and healthcare. Philadelphia has world-class hospitals (Penn, Jefferson, HUP) at a lower cost than Boston’s medical system. The median home price is accessible for downsizing or buying a condo. While MA doesn’t tax Social Security, the high property taxes and general cost of living in Somerville would erode a fixed income much faster. Philly offers a rich cultural life without the financial strain.

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Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Philadelphia

Pros:

• Affordable Housing: Median home price of $270k is achievable.
• Big City Amenities: World-class museums, sports, airport, and dining.
• Historic Charm: Walkable neighborhoods with incredible architecture.
• Purchasing Power: Your salary goes further here.

Cons:

• High Crime: Violent crime rate of 726.5/100k requires caution.
• City Services: Public schools are a mixed bag; trash pickup can be inconsistent.
• Traffic: Can be congested, especially on highways.

Somerville

Pros:

• Walkability & Transit: One of the most walkable cities in the US; excellent public transit.
• Safety: Violent crime rate of 234.0/100k is significantly lower.
• Community & Culture: Highly educated, progressive, and vibrant social scene.
• Proximity to Boston: Access to a global hub of education and industry.

Cons:

• Sticker Shock: Median home price of $905k is prohibitive for most.
• High Cost of Living: Everything from groceries to rent is expensive.
• Competitive Housing Market: Extremely difficult to buy or even rent.
• Harsh Winters: Long, cold, and gray winters.

Final Call

If you want value, space, and a classic urban experience without the elite price tag, Philadelphia is your city. It’s the underdog that offers a high quality of life for the price.

If you want density, walkability, and proximity to a global intellectual hub, and you have the income to support it, Somerville is a unique and vibrant place to live. But be warned: it’s a premium product at a premium price.

Choose wisely.