📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Sunrise and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
Sunrise vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Sunrise | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $76,722 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $405,000 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $273 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,621 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 156.4 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 102.9 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.60 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 345.0 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 36% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Philadelphia and Sunrise.
Philadelphia vs. Sunrise: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Choosing a place to live is like picking a partner—it’s not just about the looks; it’s about compatibility, lifestyle, and whether your bank account can handle the commitment. Today, we’re pitting two wildly different cities against each other: the historic, gritty powerhouse of Philadelphia, and the sunny, suburban gem of Sunrise, Florida.
One is a bustling East Coast metropolis steeped in American history; the other is a slice of Florida paradise, known for its shopping and weather. But which one actually offers a better life? Let’s break it down.
The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Glitz
Philadelphia is the "City of Brotherly Love," but don’t let the nickname fool you. It’s a city of contrasts. You’ve got world-class museums and cheesesteaks, but also a raw, unpolished edge. It’s a walker’s paradise with grid-like neighborhoods, distinct characters, and a culture that values authenticity over flash. Think Rocky—it’s underdog energy meets Ivy League intellect (thanks to UPenn and Drexel). It’s fast-paced, loud, and deeply historic.
Sunrise, on the other hand, is the quintessential modern suburb. Located in Broward County, it’s part of the sprawling South Florida metro area. It’s clean, manicured, and revolves heavily around the Sawgrass Mills mall (one of the largest in the US). The vibe is "resort living" meets "family-friendly subdivision." It’s quieter, sunnier, and feels a world away from the urban grit of Philly.
- Who is Philadelphia for? Urbanites, history buffs, foodies, and young professionals who want a city that feels alive 24/7 without the Manhattan price tag.
- Who is Sunrise for? Families, retirees, and sun-seekers who prioritize weather, safety, and a slower, car-dependent suburban pace.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. You might earn more in Sunrise, but does it actually buy you a better life? Let’s look at the numbers.
The Cost of Living Table
| Category | Philadelphia | Sunrise | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $405,000 | Philly is 33% cheaper to buy. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $1,621 | Philly offers slightly lower rent. |
| Housing Index | 117.8 | 156.4 | Sunrise housing is 33% more expensive relative to national average. |
| Median Income | $60,302 | $76,722 | Sunrise residents earn 27% more on average. |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
If you earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, your purchasing power is surprisingly strong. The housing market is the great equalizer here. While the median home price in Philly is $270,375, in Sunrise it’s a staggering $405,000. That’s a difference of over $130,000 on the entry-level home.
However, there’s a massive tax elephant in the room. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. Florida has 0% state income tax. This means that on a $100k salary, you’d pay roughly $3,070 in state income tax in PA, while keeping that entire amount in FL.
The Verdict: While Sunrise offers a tax break and higher median incomes, the staggering cost of housing eats up those savings. Philadelphia gives you significantly more "bang for your buck" in the housing market. If you’re looking to maximize your dollar’s reach, especially as a buyer, Philadelphia wins.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Philadelphia:
This is a buyer’s market with a slight edge. Inventory is relatively steady, and while prices have risen, they haven’t exploded like in other major metros. The barrier to entry is lower. You can find a historic rowhome in a vibrant neighborhood for under $300k. Renting is competitive but offers more variety—from luxury high-rises in Center City to affordable apartments in university areas. The key here is accessibility.
Sunrise:
This is a seller’s market. Florida’s population boom has driven demand sky-high. The median home price of $405,000 is just the average; desirable family homes in good school districts often go for much more, with bidding wars common. Rent is also high and rising. The market is competitive, and the barrier to entry is significantly higher than in Philly.
Winner for Affordability: Philadelphia. The data is undeniable. You can own a piece of a major city for less than a suburban home in Sunrise.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Philadelphia: Dense and walkable. Many residents commute via SEPTA (public transit), which is extensive but aging. Traffic is congested, especially on I-76 and I-95, but having a car isn’t a strict necessity in many neighborhoods.
- Sunrise: Car-dependent. Public transit is minimal. You will drive everywhere. Traffic is heavy, particularly around the Sawgrass Mills area and I-595. Commutes to Fort Lauderdale or Miami can be lengthy.
Weather
- Philadelphia: 52°F average. You get four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ is common), winters can be cold and snowy (average snowfall ~13 inches). It’s a classic Northeast climate.
- Sunrise: 70°F average. Welcome to paradise. Hot, humid summers (often 90°F+ with high humidity) and mild, dry winters. The trade-off is hurricane season (June-Nov) and the cost of air conditioning.
Crime & Safety
- Philadelphia: Violent Crime Rate: 726.5/100k.
- Context: This is high for a major city. Crime is heavily concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Areas like Center City, Society Hill, and parts of West Philly are generally safe, but vigilance is required. It’s a city of pockets.
- Sunrise: Violent Crime Rate: 345.0/100k.
- Context: Significantly lower than Philly and below the national average. Sunrise is considered one of the safer cities in South Florida. It’s a quiet, suburban environment where safety is a major selling point.
The Verdict: Sunrise wins decisively on safety and weather if you prefer sun over snow. Philadelphia wins on walkability and avoiding car dependency.
The Pros & Cons Breakdown
Philadelphia: The Historic Powerhouse
Pros:
- Affordability: Unbeatable housing prices for a major city.
- Culture & Food: World-class museums, legendary food scene (cheesesteaks, Italian Market, diverse international cuisine).
- Walkability & Transit: Car-free living is possible in many neighborhoods.
- Education & Jobs: Home to top universities and a growing biotech/ed-med sector.
- Four Seasons: If you love fall foliage and winter snow, it’s perfect.
Cons:
- High Crime: Rates are high; neighborhood research is critical.
- Harsh Winters: Snow, ice, and gray skies for months.
- Aging Infrastructure: Public transit and roads can be in disrepair.
- City Services: Trash collection and bureaucracy can be slow.
Sunrise: The Sunny Suburb
Pros:
- Safety: Low violent crime rates.
- Weather: Near-perfect winters and year-round sunshine.
- Family-Friendly: Excellent parks, good schools, and a quiet, suburban feel.
- No State Income Tax: Keep more of your paycheck.
- Shopping & Amenities: Home to massive malls and modern amenities.
Cons:
- High Cost of Living: Expensive housing and general expenses.
- Car Dependency: You need a car for everything.
- Humidity & Hurricanes: Sweltering summers and seasonal storm threats.
- Lack of Urban Culture: Can feel generic or "cookie-cutter" compared to a historic city.
- Long Commutes: To major job centers like Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
The Final Verdict
After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s the final showdown.
Winner for Families: Sunrise
Why: Safety is the top priority for most families, and Sunrise’s crime rate is nearly half that of Philadelphia. The excellent weather allows for year-round outdoor activities, and the suburban school systems are generally well-regarded. While the housing costs are higher, the safe, quiet environment is worth the premium for many parents.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia
Why: Your dollar goes further here. You can afford to live in a vibrant, walkable neighborhood with a rich social and cultural scene without needing a car. The job market in tech, healthcare, and education is robust, and the city’s energy is infectious. The lower cost of entry (both rent and home buying) makes building wealth more achievable.
Winner for Retirees: Sunrise
Why: The combination of 0% state income tax, warm weather, and safety is a powerful trifecta for retirees on fixed incomes. The lack of snow and ice reduces physical risk and home maintenance costs. While healthcare access is excellent in both cities, the year-round sunshine and active lifestyle in Sunrise are hard to beat for retirement.
The Bottom Line:
- Choose Philadelphia if you want an affordable, historic, urban experience with walkability and don’t mind the cold or higher crime in pockets.
- Choose Sunrise if you prioritize safety, sunshine, and a family-friendly suburban lifestyle and can afford the higher housing costs.
Your move depends on what you value most: culture and affordability or safety and weather.