55
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
68
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
It's a tie 1–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Philadelphia wins 1–1 overall (68/100)
💰 Philadelphia is more affordable
💼 Philadelphia has lower unemployment
🛡️ New York has fewer disasters
📋 New York vs Philadelphia — The Verdict
It's a close call — New York (55.2/100) and Philadelphia (68.2/100) each win 1 categories. On affordability, Philadelphia has a clear edge with home prices 71% lower. Philadelphia may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Philadelphia are 71% lower — a difference of $516,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Philadelphia saves you $464/month — that's $5,568 per year.
💵
Households in New York earn $19,070 more per year (33% higher median income).
🛡️
New York has experienced 3 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$732,100
$215,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,714
$1,250
Median Income
$76,607
$57,537
The affordability gap is significant — Philadelphia offers home prices 71% lower than New York, translating to $516,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.2%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
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)
9
12
Hurricane Risk
High
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from New York to Philadelphia: Common Questions
Is New York or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Philadelphia is more affordable overall. Home prices are $516,600 lower in Philadelphia. Monthly rent is $1,250 in Philadelphia vs $1,714 in New York.
Does New York or Philadelphia have better weather?
Philadelphia scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is New York or Philadelphia better for finding a job?
Philadelphia currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in New York vs 4.2% in Philadelphia. Median household income is $76,607 in New York and $57,537 in Philadelphia.
Which city is safer — New York or Philadelphia?
In terms of natural disaster risk, New York is safer. New York has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Philadelphia. New York scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Philadelphia.
Should I move from New York to Philadelphia?
Based on our data, Philadelphia scores 68.2/100 vs New York's 55.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Philadelphia is more affordable, while Philadelphia has a better climate.
Planning to move from New York to Philadelphia?
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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 4, 2026.