57
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
68
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Boston wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Philadelphia wins 2–1 overall (68/100)
💰 Philadelphia is more affordable
💼 Philadelphia has lower unemployment
🛡️ Philadelphia has fewer disasters
📋 Boston vs Philadelphia — The Verdict
Boston scores 57/100 compared to Philadelphia's 68.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Philadelphia has a clear edge with home prices 69% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Philadelphia has a notably lower disaster history with 6 fewer declarations in 20 years. Philadelphia may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Philadelphia are 69% lower — a difference of $469,400 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Philadelphia saves you $731/month — that's $8,772 per year.
💵
Households in Boston earn $31,675 more per year (55% higher median income).
📊
Philadelphia has a 0.6 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Philadelphia has experienced 6 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$684,900
$215,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,981
$1,250
Median Income
$89,212
$57,537
The affordability gap is significant — Philadelphia offers home prices 69% lower than Boston, translating to $469,400 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
4.2%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Philadelphia having a slight edge at 4.2% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
18
12
Hurricane Risk
Moderate
Moderate
Philadelphia has a markedly lower disaster history — 6 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Boston to Philadelphia: Common Questions
Is Boston or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Philadelphia is more affordable overall. Home prices are $469,400 lower in Philadelphia. Monthly rent is $1,250 in Philadelphia vs $1,981 in Boston.
Does Boston or Philadelphia have better weather?
Philadelphia scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Boston or Philadelphia better for finding a job?
Philadelphia currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.8% in Boston vs 4.2% in Philadelphia. Median household income is $89,212 in Boston and $57,537 in Philadelphia.
Which city is safer — Boston or Philadelphia?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Philadelphia is safer. Boston has had 18 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Philadelphia. Boston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Philadelphia.
Should I move from Boston to Philadelphia?
Based on our data, Philadelphia scores 68.2/100 vs Boston's 57.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Philadelphia is more affordable, while Philadelphia has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.