📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between West Des Moines and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
West Des Moines vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | West Des Moines | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $83,637 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $316,000 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $199 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $899 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 86.1 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 95.1 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 301.8 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 54.8% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 31 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Philadelphia vs. West Des Moines: The Head-to-Head Showdown
So, you’re caught between the gritty, historic streets of Philadelphia and the polished, suburban calm of West Des Moines. It’s not just a choice between a big city and a smaller one—it’s a choice between two completely different philosophies of life. One is an East Coast powerhouse steeped in revolution and cheesesteaks; the other is the crown jewel of the Midwest, promising stability, safety, and a whole lot of bang for your buck.
As your personal relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers and felt the vibes. Let’s settle this once and for all.
The Vibe Check: Gritty Culture vs. Polished Suburbia
Philadelphia is a city with a chip on its shoulder and history in its bones. It’s not trying to be New York; it’s proud to be Philly. The vibe here is unapologetically authentic, from the rowhouse-lined streets of South Philly to the art-covered walls in Fishtown. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own character, and a legendary food scene that goes way beyond the cheesesteak (though the cheesesteak is non-negotiable). The energy is electric, the people are direct, and the pace is fast but manageable. It’s for the urbanist who craves culture, walkability, and a city that feels lived-in, not curated.
West Des Moines is the picture of Midwestern polish. We’re talking about a planned, master-developed community that feels safe, clean, and orderly. The vibe is family-friendly, community-oriented, and quietly ambitious. It’s the land of top-rated schools, sprawling parks, and a thriving corporate scene anchored by giants like Wells Fargo and Principal Financial. The pace is slower, the stress is lower, and the weekends are for bike trails and farmers' markets. It’s for the family or professional who values safety, space, and a predictable, high-quality suburban lifestyle.
Who is each city for?
- Philadelphia is for the culture-seeker, the history buff, the foodie, and the urban professional who wants big-city amenities without the Manhattan price tag (or attitude).
- West Des Moines is for the family-first planner, the safety-conscious buyer, and the professional seeking a stable, high-earning career in a low-stress environment.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?
Let’s talk real dollars. The "sticker shock" between these two cities is massive, but it tells a story about what you’re buying.
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Philadelphia’s median income is $60,302, while West Des Moines boasts a much higher $83,637. That’s a 28% higher median income. But the real story is the cost of living. If you earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, your purchasing power is significantly diminished by higher costs. In West Des Moines, that same $100,000 feels more like $130,000 because your money goes 30% further on essentials. You’re not just earning more in West Des Moines; you’re keeping and stretching more of every dollar.
The Tax Factor:
Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. Iowa’s income tax is progressive, but for a median earner, it’s slightly higher at around 3.9%. However, this difference is often wiped out by Iowa’s lower property taxes and the sheer gap in housing costs. The big win for West Des Moines? There’s no local city wage tax. Philadelphia, unfortunately, hits residents with a 3.79% wage tax and a 1% sales tax. That adds up fast.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Category | Philadelphia | West Des Moines | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $316,000 | Philadelphia (for now) |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $899 | West Des Moines (by a mile) |
| Housing Index | 117.8 (17.8% above nat'l avg) | 86.1 (13.9% below nat'l avg) | West Des Moines |
| Utilities (Est.) | ~$180/mo | ~$165/mo | West Des Moines (slight) |
| Groceries | ~5% above avg | ~3% below avg | West Des Moines |
Verdict: West Des Moines is the clear, undeniable winner on pure dollar power. The cost of living, especially in housing, is dramatically lower, and the higher median income creates a powerful financial synergy. Philadelphia offers a lower entry price for a home, but the ongoing costs (taxes, rent, utilities) eat into that advantage.
The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Wait?
Philadelphia:
The buy vs. rent debate here is intense. The median home price of $270,375 is deceptively affordable for a major city. However, that’s the city-wide median. In desirable neighborhoods like Rittenhouse Square or Queen Village, you’re looking at $500,000+ for a smaller rowhouse. The market is competitive, especially in the sub-$400,000 range. It’s a seller’s market in hot pockets, but there’s more inventory than in other coastal metros. Renting is expensive ($1,451 for a 1BR), making buying a savvy move if you plan to stay 5+ years. The housing stock is historic—charm comes with quirks (old wiring, narrow stairs, potential for surprises).
West Des Moines:
Here, the story is about new construction and space. The median home price is higher at $316,000, but that buys you a modern, single-family home in a master-planned community with a yard, a two-car garage, and top-ranked schools. It’s a buyer’s market in many suburbs, with more inventory and less frantic bidding wars. Renting is a steal at $899 for a 1BR, making it a fantastic place to build savings before buying. The housing stock is newer, larger, and more energy-efficient, but the trade-off is less historic character and more uniformity.
Verdict: For raw space and modern amenities, West Des Moines wins. For urban charm and a lower entry price (in some areas), Philadelphia has an edge. If you’re a first-time buyer, West Des Moines offers more house for your money with less competition.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life in the Real World
Traffic & Commute
- Philadelphia: Traffic is real, but the city is exceptionally walkable and has a robust public transit system (SEPTA). The average commute is 27 minutes. The real headache is navigating the confusing grid and finding parking in dense neighborhoods.
- West Des Moines: A car is a must. The commute is easy—highways are wide, traffic is light, and the average commute is 20 minutes. You’ll spend more time in the car, but it’s smooth sailing.
Weather: Humidity vs. Polar Vortex
- Philadelphia: Has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (average high of 86°F in July), and winters can be bleak with snow and gray skies (average low of 26°F in Jan). Spring and fall are glorious.
- West Des Moines: Experiences more extreme swings. Summers are hot (87°F avg high) but less humid than Philly. Winters are brutal. The average high in January is 31°F, but lows frequently plunge into the single digits, and snowfall is heavy. The 25°F average weather temp (likely annual mean) is misleading; the seasonal reality is harsher.
Crime & Safety: The Stark Contrast
This is the biggest dealbreaker for many. The data doesn’t lie.
| Metric | Philadelphia | West Des Moines | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 726.5 | 301.8 | West Des Moines |
| Safety Perception | Varies by neighborhood; some areas are very safe, others require caution. | Consistently rated one of the safest suburbs in the region. | West Des Moines |
Philadelphia’s crime rate is significantly higher, a common challenge for dense, older urban centers. Safety is highly neighborhood-dependent. West Des Moines boasts a crime rate that’s less than half of the national average, offering a sense of security that’s hard to overvalue for families.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Where?
This isn’t a single winner; it’s about the right fit for your life stage and priorities.
Winner for Families: West Des Moines
Why: The combination of top-tier public schools, low crime, safe neighborhoods, affordable larger homes with yards, and a community-focused lifestyle is almost unbeatable for families. The financial peace of mind from lower costs and higher median incomes is the cherry on top.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Philadelphia
Why: The vibrant social scene, walkable neighborhoods, world-class food and arts, more dating and networking opportunities, and the energy of a major city are perfect for someone building a career and a social life. The lower barrier to entry for renting (compared to NYC) and the potential for urban homeownership are huge draws.
Winner for Retirees: West Des Moines
Why: Safety is the paramount concern for most retirees. Add in a lower cost of living, excellent healthcare (Iowa has top-ranked hospitals), manageable weather (less coastal humidity and storms), and a peaceful, respectful community, and West Des Moines becomes a haven for a relaxed, secure retirement.
Pros & Cons: At a Glance
Philadelphia Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Unmatched History & Culture: From Independence Hall to world-class museums.
- Foodie Paradise: Cheesesteaks, Reading Terminal Market, James Beard winners.
- Walkable & Transit-Friendly: Less car-dependent than most US cities.
- Strong Job Market: Healthcare, education, and a growing tech scene.
- Major Airport Hub: Easy travel.
CONS:
- High Crime in Areas: Requires diligent neighborhood research.
- City Wage & Sales Taxes: A constant financial drag.
- Humid Summers & Gray Winters: Weather can be oppressive.
- Aging Infrastructure: Potholes, old utilities, and dated public transit.
- Competitive Housing in Desirable Areas: Prices spike fast.
West Des Moines Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Excellent Safety & Low Crime: Top-tier security for families.
- High Median Income & Low Cost of Living: Financial sweet spot.
- Superior Schools: Consistently ranked at the state/national level.
- Modern Housing: More space, newer builds, yards.
- Clean, Planned, and Green: Beautiful parks and bike trails.
CONS:
- Car Dependency: You will drive everywhere.
- Limited Urban Culture: Fewer museums, concerts, and nightlife options.
- Harsh Winters: Cold, snowy, and long.
- Less Diversity: More homogeneous than a major city.
- "Bland" Food Scene: Improving, but can't compete with Philly's depth.
The Bottom Line
Choose Philadelphia if you’re chasing culture, energy, and the authentic buzz of a major city, and you’re willing to navigate the trade-offs of crime and cost.
Choose West Des Moines if you prioritize safety, schools, space, and financial efficiency, and you’re content with a polished, suburban lifestyle that excels in the fundamentals.
Your move isn’t just about zip codes; it’s about what you value most. Do you want the thrill of the city or the peace of the suburb? The data is clear, but only you can decide which life feels like home.