St. Paul vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	St. Paul	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$73,975	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	4%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$295,738	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$189	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,327	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	112.7	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	96.0	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.67	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	567.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	46.5%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	40

Philadelphia vs. St. Paul: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

You’ve got two iconic American cities on your radar: Philadelphia, the gritty, historic, and fiercely proud City of Brotherly Love, and St. Paul, the quiet, elegant twin to Minneapolis’s hustle. You’re trying to figure out where you’ll build your life, and let’s be real—this isn’t a trivial choice. One is a massive East Coast beast with a complex soul; the other is a Midwest gem with a Scandinavian backbone.

As your relocation expert, I’m not here to sugarcoat it. We’re going to dig into the data, the vibes, and the dealbreakers to help you decide where your dollars stretch furthest and where you’ll actually want to live.

Let’s get into it.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Midwest Charm

First, let’s set the scene. These cities are in entirely different universes.

Philadelphia is a true concrete jungle. It’s the 5th largest metro in the U.S., with a population of 1.5 million packed into its city limits. The vibe is unapologetically authentic—think hole-in-the-wall cheesesteak joints, world-class museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and neighborhoods that shift from bustling to residential in a few blocks. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s got a chip on its shoulder. You’re here for the energy, the history (hello, Liberty Bell!), and the feeling of being in a city that’s always moving.

St. Paul, on the other hand, is the calm, collected older sibling. With just 303,827 people, it feels more like a large town than a metropolis. It’s the seat of government and the more historic, residential side of the Twin Cities. The vibe is defined by its stunning Summit Avenue (the longest row of Victorian homes in the U.S.), the majestic Cathedral of St. Paul, and a love for the outdoors that’s woven into the city fabric. It’s for those who want big-city amenities (proximity to Minneapolis) without the crushing density and chaos.

Who is each city for?

• Philadelphia is for the ambitious, the history buff, the foodie, and the person who thrives on urban energy. You need to be okay with a little grit and a lot of noise.
• St. Paul is for the professional who values work-life balance, appreciates architecture and quiet beauty, and wants access to top-tier outdoor activities (lakes, biking, skiing) without living in the wilderness.

VERDICT: If you crave the palpable energy of a major East Coast hub, Philadelphia wins. If you prefer a picturesque, manageable city with a strong community feel, St. Paul is your spot.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your $100k Feel Like More?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. We’ll assume a $100,000 salary for comparison, but remember—I’m factoring in taxes, which are a massive dealbreaker.

Philadelphia is in Pennsylvania, which has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. That’s relatively low. However, the city itself adds a 3.75% wage tax for residents. So, your total state + city income tax burden is roughly 6.82%. Not terrible, but it adds up.

St. Paul is in Minnesota. Minnesota has a progressive income tax system. On a $100k salary, you’d be in the 6.8% tax bracket. It’s a bit higher than Philly’s flat rate, but Minnesota doesn’t have a city-level wage tax. The overall burden is comparable, but Minnesota has a higher sales tax (7.625% in St. Paul vs. Philadelphia’s 8%).

Now, let’s look at the hard costs.

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Expense Category	Philadelphia	St. Paul	Winner (Bang for Buck)
Median Home Price	$270,375	$295,738	Philadelphia
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$1,451	$1,327	St. Paul
Utilities (Monthly)	~$150	~$165 (Heating)	Philadelphia
Groceries	~+1.5% vs Nat'l	~+0.5% vs Nat'l	St. Paul
Housing Index	117.8	112.7	St. Paul

Analysis:

• Housing is the Key: Philadelphia wins on median home price, but St. Paul wins on rent. This tells a story. Philly’s housing stock is older and more varied, offering more entry-level options. St. Paul’s rental market is slightly cheaper, but buying a home is marginally more expensive.
• Purchasing Power: If you earn $100k in Philadelphia, your $270k home costs 2.7x your income. In St. Paul, a $295k home is 2.95x your income. Philadelphia gives you slightly more housing purchasing power. However, if you’re a renter, your money goes further in St. Paul.
• The Tax Twist: While taxes are similar, Minnesota’s higher sales tax can nibble away at your disposable income for everyday purchases.

VERDICT: For homebuyers, Philadelphia offers a slight edge in affordability. For renters, St. Paul is the cheaper option. Overall, Philadelphia’s lower median home price makes it the winner for long-term wealth building through real estate.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia:

• Buyer’s/Seller’s Market: It’s a balanced market leaning toward buyers. Inventory is rising slightly, and higher interest rates have cooled the frenzy. You can find fixer-uppers in up-and-coming neighborhoods (like Brewerytown or Point Breeze) for under $250k, but they’ll need work. Move-in-ready homes in desirable areas (Rittenhouse, Fitler Square) command premium prices well over $500k.
• Renting: The rental market is competitive. Vacancy rates are low, especially in central neighborhoods. You get more space for your money here than in NYC or DC, but competition is fierce for the best units.

St. Paul:

• Buyer’s/Seller’s Market: Also a balanced market. The Twin Cities region as a whole has seen price growth, but St. Paul is more stable than Minneapolis. You’re likely to find charming historic homes in neighborhoods like Summit-University or Cathedral Hill, but they come with a premium. Starter homes are harder to find under $300k.
• Renting: The rental market is less cutthroat than Philly’s. There’s a good supply of apartments, and the $1,327 average rent reflects that. You get a lot of quality for that price, often in well-maintained pre-war buildings.

VERDICT: Philadelphia wins for housing variety and entry-level buying opportunities. St. Paul is better if you’re a renter or looking for a turnkey historic home without a bidding war.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: Traffic is tough, but it’s a walkable/bikeable city with a decent public transit system (SEPTA). The average commute is 28 minutes. If you work in Center City, you can easily live car-free. Driving is a headache, though, especially on I-76 and I-95.
• St. Paul: You’re in a car-centric city. The average commute is 22 minutes, but you’ll likely drive. The good news? Traffic is nowhere near as bad as Philly’s. Public transit exists but is less comprehensive. The Twin Cities have some of the best biking infrastructure in the country, which is a huge plus.

Winner: St. Paul for easier driving, but Philadelphia if you want a truly walkable lifestyle.

Weather: The Great Divide

This is a massive dealbreaker. Look at the numbers:

• Philadelphia: 52.0°F annual average. Summers are hot and humid (often 90°F+), winters are cold but manageable (avg. snowfall: 25 inches). You get four distinct seasons.
• St. Paul: 16.0°F annual average. Winters are brutal and long. Expect sub-zero temps, snow from November to April, and an average of 54 inches of snow. Summers are glorious—warm but not oppressively humid.

Verdict: If you hate cold, Philadelphia is the clear winner. If you hate humidity, St. Paul is your paradise. For most, Philly’s more moderate winter (with less snow) trumps Minnesota’s Siberian-like cold.

Crime & Safety

Let’s be honest—this is a critical factor.

• Philadelphia: Violent Crime: 726.5/100k. This is significantly above the national average. Crime is highly neighborhood-dependent. Areas like University City and Chestnut Hill are very safe, while others struggle. You must be savvy about where you live.
• St. Paul: Violent Crime: 567.0/100k. Also above the national average, but notably lower than Philly’s. St. Paul feels generally safer, with lower crime rates in most neighborhoods. It’s not crime-free, but the statistical gap is clear.

Winner: St. Paul is statistically safer. This is a major point in its favor for families and those concerned about safety.

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The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Move?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the vibes, here’s the final breakdown.

Winner Category	City	Why
For Families	St. Paul	Lower crime, better schools (on average), more green space, and a stronger sense of community. The safer environment and access to outdoor activities make it ideal for raising kids.
For Singles/Young Pros	Philadelphia	The energy, the social scene, the networking opportunities, and the walkability are unmatched. You’ll meet more people, have more nightlife options, and feel the pulse of a major city.
For Retirees	St. Paul	Lower crime, manageable size, excellent healthcare (Mayo Clinic proximity), and a peaceful, beautiful setting. The Midwest pace is easier on the nerves, and the cost of living is reasonable.

Philadelphia: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Unbeatable History & Culture: From Independence Hall to the Barnes Foundation.
• World-Class Food Scene: Cheesesteaks, Reading Terminal Market, and top-tier restaurants.
• Walkable & Transit-Friendly: Easy to live car-free in many neighborhoods.
• Strong Job Market: Major industries in healthcare, education, and finance.
• Proximity to Everything: NYC, DC, and the Jersey Shore are within a 2-hour drive.

Cons:

• Higher Crime: You must be vigilant and choose your neighborhood carefully.
• Gritty & Chaotic: It’s not for the faint of heart; it can feel overwhelming.
• Humid Summers: Can be oppressive.
• Old Infrastructure: Aging roads and public transit systems.

St. Paul: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Statistically Safer: Lower violent crime rates than Philly.
• Stunning Natural Beauty: Proximity to lakes, parks, and bike trails is incredible.
• Four Seasons (Without Brutal Heat): Enjoyable summers, beautiful falls, and manageable winters (if you’re prepared).
• Top-Tier Quality of Life: Excellent schools, healthcare, and a strong sense of community.
• Twin Cities Advantage: You get the amenities of a major metro (Minneapolis) while living in a calmer, more historic city.

Cons:

• The Cold is Real: Winters are long and harsh. This is a non-negotiable lifestyle factor.
• Less Walkable: You’ll likely need a car.
• Smaller Scale: Fewer major cultural events and a quieter nightlife scene.
• Higher Sales Tax: Nibbles at your disposable income.

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The Bottom Line

This isn’t about which city is “better”—it’s about which city is better for you.

Choose Philadelphia if: You crave the adrenaline of a major East Coast city, you’re a foodie and history lover, you want walkability, and you can navigate urban complexity and higher crime with savvy. Your $100k salary will buy you a home and a vibrant life, but you’ll trade some safety and quiet for the privilege.

Choose St. Paul if: Safety, community, and access to nature are your top priorities. You’re willing to trade a bustling urban core for a beautiful, manageable city with a high quality of life. Your $100k salary goes further in terms of safety and peace of mind, and you’ll enjoy the stunning Midwest seasons (yes, even the snow).

Now, look at your priorities. Are you building a family or a career? Do you fear the cold or the chaos? The data has spoken, but your gut will make the final call. Good luck.