đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between South Burlington and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
South Burlington vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
Candidate A
South Burlington
VT
Cost Index 100
Median Income $97k
Rent (1BR) $1441
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | South Burlington | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $97,229 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.6% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $474,400 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $300 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,441 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 101.7 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 96.3 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 173.3 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 65.1% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 36 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Head-to-Head: Philadelphia vs. South Burlington
The Urban Beast vs. The Green Mountain Gem
The Vibe Check
Let's cut the fluff. You’re looking at two cities that are polar opposites, not just in size, but in soul.
Philadelphia is the East Coast heavyweight. It’s gritty, historic, and unapologetically loud. Think: the Liberty Bell, the cheesesteak, and a skyline that means business. It’s a city of neighborhoods where you can find a dive bar next to a world-class museum. It’s for the hustler, the history buff, and anyone who wants the energy of a major metro without the Manhattan price tag (though it’s catching up fast).
South Burlington is the definition of a "hidden gem" in the most literal sense. Nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, it’s the suburban hub for Burlington (the bigger, more famous sister city). It’s small, clean, and surrounded by staggering natural beauty. The vibe is "active, outdoorsy, and laid-back." It’s for the hiker, the skier, the remote worker craving peace, and anyone who thinks a "night out" involves a brewery and a sunset over the water.
Who’s it for?
- Philly: Urbanites, foodies, young professionals, and families who crave culture and walkability.
- South Burlington: Nature lovers, retirees seeking tranquility, and remote workers who value quiet over the hustle.
The Dollar Power
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk about what your paycheck actually feels like.
The Sticker Shock
At first glance, rent looks eerily similar. But don't let that fool you. The cost structure is wildly different.
| Metric | Philadelphia | South Burlington | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $60,302 | $97,229 | South Burlington |
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $474,400 | Philadelphia |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $1,441 | Tie (Slight Edge: S. Burlington) |
| Housing Index | 117.8 (V. High) | 101.7 (High) | South Burlington |
The Purchasing Power Play
If you earn $100,000 in South Burlington, you’re making nearly 61% more than the median local. You are a high earner in a high-cost, but manageable, area. Your money stretches for groceries and dining, but you’ll feel the pinch on housing. The median home price is $474,400, and with a 20% down payment, you’re looking at a mortgage that could feel heavy unless you have a dual income.
In Philadelphia, earning $100,000 makes you a top-tier earner. The median home price is $270,375—that’s a staggering $204,025 cheaper than South Burlington. Your purchasing power for real estate is exponentially stronger. You can buy a home for arguably the same price as a condo in Vermont. The trade-off? You’ll pay more in property taxes (Philly’s are notoriously high), and while groceries might be cheaper, you’ll spend more on entertainment and transportation.
The Tax Angle
Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. Vermont has a progressive tax system that can go up to 8.75% for high earners. If you’re making good money, the tax burden in Vermont is significantly higher, which further erodes that high median income.
Verdict: For bang for your buck, especially in housing, Philadelphia is the clear winner. South Burlington offers a higher median income, but the cost of living, particularly taxes and housing, eats into it fast.
The Housing Market
Buying a Home:
- Philadelphia: This is a buyer's market with more inventory. You have negotiating power. You can find a historic row home in a gentrifying neighborhood or a modern condo downtown. The median price of $270,375 is accessible for many.
- South Burlington: This is a seller's market. Inventory is tight. The median price of $474,400 is steep for a small city, driven by high demand from remote workers and retirees. Competition is fierce, and you’ll likely pay at or above asking price.
Renting:
The rental markets are tight in both, but for different reasons. Philly has a massive rental pool of students and young pros. South Burlington has limited rental stock, as many properties are single-family homes or vacation rentals. The near-identical rent prices ($1,451 vs. $1,441) are a coincidence of data—Philly’s is driven by sheer volume and demand, South Burlington’s by scarcity.
The Winner: Philadelphia. It offers more home for your money and a less competitive buying environment.
The Dealbreakers
This is where personal preference trumps data.
Traffic & Commute:
- Philadelphia: Brutal. The Schuylkill and Vine Street Expressways are notorious parking lots. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but can be unreliable. A 10-mile commute can easily take 45 minutes.
- South Burlington: Non-existent. Seriously. You can cross town in 10 minutes, even in "traffic." The commute is a scenic drive. This is a massive quality-of-life win.
Weather:
- Philadelphia: A true four seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ with high humidity is common). Winters are cold with occasional snow, but the urban heat island keeps it a bit warmer. It’s a "wet" city.
- South Burlington: Harsher and longer winters. The average temperature is 45.0°F, but that’s misleading. Winters are long, dark, and snowy (average 60+ inches). Summers are glorious—mild, dry, and perfect for the outdoors. If you hate winter, this is a dealbreaker.
Crime & Safety:
Let’s be brutally honest. The data shows a stark contrast.
- Philadelphia: Violent Crime Rate: 726.5/100k. As a major city, it has areas of high crime, but many neighborhoods are perfectly safe. It requires street smarts and research.
- South Burlington: Violent Crime Rate: 173.3/100k. This is a remarkably low rate, typical of a small, affluent, suburban community. It’s one of the safest places in the Northeast.
The Winner: South Burlington for safety and commute. Philadelphia for weather diversity (if you prefer manageable winters over harsh ones).
The Final Verdict
This isn’t about which city is "better," but which city is better for you.
🏆 Winner for Families: Philadelphia
The math is simple. You can afford a larger home in a safe neighborhood with good schools ($270k vs. $474k). You have access to incredible museums, zoos, parks, and cultural institutions. The suburbs (Main Line, Chestnut Hill) offer top-tier school districts. The only caveat is you must be diligent about choosing the right neighborhood.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Philadelphia
The energy, the dating scene, the nightlife, the job market—it’s all here. You can build a career, network, and have endless things to do. The cost of living, while rising, is still more manageable than NYC or Boston. South Burlington’s social scene is quiet and limited; it’s a place you settle down, not where you "start up."
🏆 Winner for Retirees: South Burlington
This is a no-brainer. The low crime rate, peaceful environment, stunning natural beauty, and strong community are ideal for retirement. The cost of living and taxes are high, but if you have the nest egg, the quality of life is exceptional. Philadelphia offers more medical facilities and urban amenities, but the constant noise, traffic, and city stress are less appealing for a tranquil retirement.
The Pros & Cons
PHILADELPHIA: The Urban Beast
- Pros:
- Unbeatable Housing Value: Median home price is $270,375—a fraction of major coastal metros.
- Culture & Food: World-class museums, history, and a legendary food scene.
- Walkability & Transit: Car-optional in many neighborhoods.
- Job Market: Diverse economy with healthcare, education, and tech.
- Cons:
- High Crime Rate: 726.5/100k violent crime requires neighborhood diligence.
- Traffic & Commutes: Can be soul-crushing.
- High Taxes: Property taxes are steep, and city wage tax exists.
- Gritty Reality: It’s not polished; it’s a real, working city with all its flaws.
SOUTH BURLINGTON: The Green Mountain Gem
- Pros:
- Safety & Cleanliness: Violent crime rate of 173.3/100k is incredibly low.
- Commute & Traffic: Basically non-existent.
- Outdoor Paradise: Unmatched access to hiking, skiing, and Lake Champlain.
- High Median Income: $97,229 shows a strong local economy.
- Cons:
- Extreme Housing Cost: Median home price of $474,400 is steep for the size.
- Harsh, Long Winters: Dark, snowy, and long. Not for the winter-averse.
- High Taxes: Vermont’s progressive income tax bites into that high salary.
- Limited Urban Amenities: You’ll go to Burlington for major shopping, concerts, or specialized healthcare.
The Bottom Line: Choose Philadelphia if you prioritize affordability, culture, and urban energy. Choose South Burlington if you prioritize safety, nature, and a peaceful lifestyle—and have the budget to match.