Westbrook vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Westbrook	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$85,868	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.2%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$409,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$304	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,139	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	119.6	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	96.6	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	108.6	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	39.8%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	38	40

Philadelphia vs. Westbrook: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the gritty, historic, and undeniably vibrant energy of Philadelphia—a major metro with over 1.5 million people, world-class museums, and a food scene that’s the stuff of legend. On the other, you have Westbrook, Maine—a charming coastal community of about 20,000, offering a quieter, nature-centric lifestyle with a surprising punch of economic power.

This isn't just a choice between a city and a town. It's a choice between two vastly different versions of the American dream. Let's cut through the noise and break down exactly where you should plant your roots.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Coastal Calm

Philadelphia is the ultimate urban survivor. It’s the underdog of the Northeast corridor, where history is etched into every brick of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The vibe is fast-paced, unpretentious, and fiercely local. You’ll get world-class arts and culture, a legendary sports scene (go Phils, go Birds!), and an incredible food scene that spans from iconic cheesesteaks to James Beard-winning restaurants. It’s a city of distinct, walkable neighborhoods, each with its own personality. This is for the person who craves energy, diversity, and the feeling of being at the center of it all.

Westbrook is a breath of fresh, salty air. Located just outside of Portland (Maine’s largest city), Westbrook offers a blend of suburban comfort and easy access to the stunning Maine coastline. The pace is slower, the community is tighter, and the backdrop is pure nature. Think kayaking on the Presumpscot River, hiking in nearby parks, and enjoying a quiet evening. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a respite from metropolitan chaos. This is for the person who values peace, space, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Who is it for?

• Philadelphia is for the urbanite, the culture vulture, the foodie, the young professional, and the family looking for endless activities and top-tier education options (and willing to navigate the city's complexities).
• Westbrook is for the outdoor adventurer, the remote worker seeking tranquility, the family wanting a safer, community-focused environment, and the retiree looking for a beautiful, manageable setting.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?

Let’s talk money. The "sticker shock" can be real, but the real story is in purchasing power—what your paycheck actually buys you.

First, the raw data:

Cost Category	Philadelphia, PA	Westbrook, ME	Winner
Median Home Price	$270,375	$409,000	Philadelphia
Median Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,139	Westbrook
Median Income	$60,302	$85,868	Westbrook
Housing Index	117.8	119.6	Philadelphia
Violent Crime (per 100k)	726.5	108.6	Westbrook

Salary Wars & The Tax Factor:
Here’s where it gets interesting. Westbrook boasts a median income of $85,868—a staggering 42% higher than Philadelphia’s $60,302. On the surface, Westbrook looks richer. But we have to factor in taxes.

• Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. Philadelphia adds a city wage tax of about 3.75% for residents. That’s a significant chunk of your paycheck gone before you even see it.
• Maine has a progressive income tax system. For a median earner in Westbrook, the state income tax rate would be around 6.5% (on income over $40,000). However, Maine offers a property tax fairness credit, which can help offset high property taxes for some residents.

Purchasing Power Verdict:
If you earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, your take-home pay after state and city taxes is roughly $72,500. In Westbrook, on $100,000, you’d take home about $73,500 after state taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction). The difference is small, but the housing cost is the real dealbreaker.

In Philadelphia, a $270,375 home is more attainable for the median earner. In Westbrook, a $409,000 home on an $85,868 income is a much heavier lift. However, Westbrook’s higher median income suggests a stronger local job market (often tied to Portland’s economy, tech, and healthcare), which can be a major advantage.

The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?

Philadelphia is a classic buyer’s market in many neighborhoods. The median home price of $270,375 is relatively accessible for a major Northeast city. You get a lot of historic row homes, which offer character but may need updates. Renting is competitive, with a median of $1,451 for a 1BR, but the variety of neighborhoods gives you options to fit different budgets. The key is finding the right area—some are bustling and safe, others require more due diligence.

Westbrook presents a seller’s market. The median home price of $409,000 is steep for a town of its size, driven by high demand from people fleeing larger cities for a better quality of life (a trend accelerated by the remote work boom). Inventory is low, and competition is fierce. Renting is cheaper ($1,139), but availability is limited. If you’re looking to buy in Westbrook, you need to be prepared to act fast and potentially compromise on your wish list.

Verdict: For affordability and more options, Philadelphia wins on the buying front. For a quieter rental life, Westbrook is the cheaper bet, but both markets have their challenges.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: Traffic is a beast. Commutes within the city can be unpredictable. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but not always reliable. A car is helpful but not always necessary in center city.
• Westbrook: Traffic is minimal. The commute to Portland is a breeze (about 20 minutes). You’ll mostly be driving, but the roads are generally clear. This is a massive quality-of-life advantage.

Weather:

• Philadelphia: Experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), winters can be cold and snowy (average inches of snow is around 13), and spring/fall are beautiful. The humidity can be a dealbreaker for some.
• Westbrook: Maine is known for its long, cold, and snowy winters. While the data doesn't provide a temperature, you can expect temperatures well below freezing for months, with significant snowfall. Summers are mild and gorgeous. If you hate winter, Westbrook is a hard pass.

Crime & Safety:
This is the most dramatic difference in the data.

• Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 726.5 per 100,000 people. This is significantly higher than the national average. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood. You must research specific areas thoroughly.
• Westbrook has a violent crime rate of 108.6 per 100,000 people. This is exceptionally low, reflecting the overall safety of Maine. It’s a profoundly safer environment.

The Verdict on Dealbreakers:

• For Traffic & Safety: Westbrook is the clear, undeniable winner.
• For Weather Preference: This is personal. If you crave vibrant autumns and can handle humidity, Philadelphia. If you want a true four-season experience with snowy winters and perfect summers, Westbrook.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins the Showdown?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The "winner" depends entirely on what you value most. Let’s break it down by life stage.

• Winner for Families:
  Philadelphia takes this by a hair, but it’s nuanced. The city offers incredible public and private school options, endless free activities (museums, parks), and a diverse environment that prepares kids for the real world. However, Westbrook is a powerhouse contender with its top-rated schools, unparalleled safety, and community feel. If your priority is a safe, small-town upbringing with easy access to nature, Westbrook is the choice. If you want the resources and opportunities of a major city, Philadelphia wins.

• Winner for Singles & Young Professionals:
  Philadelphia is the undisputed champion. The social scene, networking opportunities, career diversity (healthcare, finance, tech, education), and vibrant nightlife are unmatched. Westbrook is quiet and can be isolating for a young person seeking social energy. Philly’s higher density of people and activities is a major advantage.

• Winner for Retirees:
  Westbrook is the clear winner. The low crime rate, peaceful environment, beautiful scenery, and access to Portland’s amenities (without the city bustle) make it an ideal retirement destination. Philadelphia’s walkability and cultural institutions are a pro, but the noise, traffic, and higher crime can be drawbacks for retirees seeking peace.

Philadelphia: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Affordable for a Major City: Lower home prices than Boston, NYC, or DC.
• World-Class Culture & Food: Endless museums, historical sites, and a legendary food scene.
• Walkable Neighborhoods: Many areas don’t require a car.
• Strong Job Market: Diverse industries and major employers.
• Excellent Higher Education: Home to Penn, Temple, Drexel, and more.

Cons:

• High Crime Rate: Safety varies wildly by neighborhood; research is non-negotiable.
• City Wage Tax: Takes a significant bite out of your paycheck.
• Traffic & Commute: Can be stressful and time-consuming.
• Humid Summers: Can be oppressive for some.

Westbrook: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Extremely Safe: Among the lowest crime rates in the nation.
• Natural Beauty: Proximity to coastline, mountains, and forests is unparalleled.
• Strong Local Economy: Higher median income than many similar towns.
• Low Traffic & Stress: A relaxed pace of life.
• Tight-Knit Community: Small-town feel with big-town amenities nearby in Portland.

Cons:

• Expensive Housing: Median home price is high for the area and size.
• Harsh Winters: Long, cold, and snowy winters can be a challenge.
• Limited Inventory: Both housing and rental options are scarce.
• Isolation Potential: Can feel remote if you’re not an outdoor enthusiast.
• Seasonal Economy: Some jobs may be tied to tourism/seasonality, though Westbrook itself is more stable.

The Bottom Line:
Choose Philadelphia if you’re a young professional, a family seeking urban resources, or anyone who thrives on energy, diversity, and the buzz of a major city—and you’re willing to navigate the trade-offs of safety and taxes.

Choose Westbrook if you’re a retiree, a family prioritizing safety and nature, or anyone who values peace, community, and outdoor adventure above all else—and you can handle the cold and the competitive housing market.

It’s not about which city is objectively better. It’s about which city is better for you. Now, go visit them both.