Philadelphia in Pennsylvania and Detroit in Michigan represent key economic zones in their respective states. As centers of history, culture, and industry, both cities have their unique features. This comparison seeks to provide a rounded view of life in both cities from various angles which include crime and safety, weather, cost of living, and more. The content aims at aiding relocation decisions and providing tourists valuable insights towards planning their visits.
Distance between
Philadelphia, PA and
Detroit, MI : 445.2 miles
Philadelphia's population is larger by 149%. Its population has grown by 58,701 people (3.9%) since 2000. The population of Detroit has decreased by 318,806 people (33.5%) during that time.
Both cities grapple with crime but have neighborhoods with varying safety levels. While Philadelphia has relatively high crime rates, it has numerous safe neighborhoods for living or visiting like Center City, Chestnut Hill, and Fairmount. Detroit's crime rate is higher compared to Philadelphia, despite the ongoing initiatives to reduce the crime level. Neighborhoods such as Indian Village, Palmer Woods, and Sherwood Forest have been generally safe.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 2,832 registered sex offenders living in Philadelphia and 3,462 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Philadelphia is 554 to 1; the ratio in Detroit is 194 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Philadelphia than in Detroit.
Cost of Living
Philadelphia's cost of living is generally higher compared to national averages, but lower than other major East Coast cities like New York or Boston. Detroit, on the other hand, has a lower cost of living, even compared to the national average, making the city more affordable.
Income Tax
Both cities have progressive income taxes. However, Philadelphia has a flat city income tax of 3.88%, while Detroit's is 2.4% for residents.
Property Tax
Philadelphia's property taxes are generally lower than Detroit's, though property values are typically higher in Philadelphia.
Sales Tax
Philadelphia's sales tax is higher at 8%, compared to Detroit's 6%.
Income
Type
Philadelphia
Detroit
Estimated median household income
$52,899
$36,140
Estimated per capita income
$32,707
$22,122
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
105.4
94.1
If you make $50,000 in Detroit, you will have to make $56,004 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Philadelphia is inland but close to the Atlantic Ocean, while Detroit is located in the Midwest, close to the Great Lakes, providing a different landscape and outdoor activities.
Philadelphia boast of top-quality educational institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. Detroit also has commendable educational establishments, such as Wayne State University and the University of Detroit Mercy. However, Philadelphia typically ranks higher in nationwide educational ratings.
Philadelphia's economy is diversified, with sectors like healthcare, education, and transportation being the biggest contributors. Detroit is known as the automotive capital of the world. While it has seen economic struggles, it's now witnessing a revival with growth in technology, healthcare, and local small businesses.
Biggest Employers
In Philadelphia, the big employers are UPenn, Comcast, and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Detroit's largest employers are General Motors, Ford, and Detroit Medical Center.
There were 1,553 building permits issued in Philadelphia in 2012 (1108 more than in 2011) compared to 10 building permits issued in Detroit in 2012 (8 less than in 2011).
In Philadelphia (Philadelphia County), 85.2% voted for Democrats and 14.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Detroit (Wayne County), 73.1% voted for Democrats and 26.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Philadelphia
Detroit
Philadelphia
Detroit
Philadelphia
Detroit
2020
81.2%
68.6%
17.9%
30.4%
0.9%
1.0%
2016
82.3%
66.6%
15.3%
29.4%
2.4%
4.0%
2012
85.2%
73.1%
14.0%
26.2%
0.8%
0.6%
2008
83.2%
74.4%
16.4%
24.7%
0.4%
0.9%
2004
80.6%
69.7%
19.4%
29.9%
0.0%
0.4%
2000
80.4%
69.1%
18.1%
29.1%
1.5%
1.8%
1996
77.4%
69.0%
16.0%
24.0%
6.6%
7.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Philadelphia
Detroit
Philadelphia
Detroit
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24.8%
16.3%
8.8%
11.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
3.8%
1.5%
6.7%
2.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.6%
3.7%
3.1%
2.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.2%
0.4%
9.9%
3.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.4%
3.8%
2.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.7%
3.1%
2.8%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.0%
1.4%
0.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.7%
1.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.0%
1.2%
0.5%
3.9%
Weather
Weather-wise, Philadelphia often experiences humid summer months and mildly cold winters. Spring and autumn are usually pleasant with mild temperatures. In contrast, Detroit's weather can fluctuate significantly. Summers can be warm to hot, while winters are notably colder than in Philadelphia, with more snowfall expected.
Weather and climate
Type
Philadelphia
Detroit
Temperature - Average
54.8°F
50°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
75.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
53%
Precipitation - Yearly average
45.7 in
33.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
45.1 in
86.5 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.4%
12.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
59.8%
56.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
18%
38%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
63%
69%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
31%
Wind speed - Average
10 mph
10.2 mph
Average climate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Average climate in Detroit, Michigan
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Philadelphia
Detroit
Philadelphia
Detroit
Philadelphia
Detroit
Philadelphia
Detroit
Philadelphia
Detroit
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Detroit
Philadelphia
Detroit
2018
99
90
0.37
0.44
10.7
12.9
24.3
25.8
N/A
N/A
17.2
N/A
9.2
10.1
0.9
1.1
2017
105
87
0.32
0.56
11.0
12.7
25.3
20.9
0.004
N/A
22.3
N/A
8.9
10.1
1.0
1.3
2016
99
86
0.30
0.47
13.6
13.2
25.1
22.0
0.007
N/A
23.2
N/A
9.5
10.9
1.4
0.8
2015
110
95
0.34
0.49
15.8
14.8
22.6
26.5
0.007
N/A
23.9
N/A
10.5
11.9
1.8
1.2
2014
105
95
0.34
0.48
16.8
14.2
23.1
24.2
0.027
N/A
23.0
N/A
11.7
12.0
2.2
1.7
2013
105
80
0.27
0.53
16.7
14.4
22.5
24.5
0.029
N/A
31.0
N/A
10.5
11.0
1.5
1.3
2012
111
99
0.29
0.49
17.8
14.6
23.0
25.7
0.040
N/A
14.6
N/A
11.7
6.6
1.5
1.7
2011
113
94
0.28
0.32
19.9
12.9
24.3
24.3
0.039
N/A
16.9
N/A
9.8
6.5
1.9
1.6
2010
116
96
0.30
0.28
20.1
11.8
23.0
24.7
0.009
0.006
21.7
N/A
12.2
12.1
2.6
1.6
2009
95
68
0.32
0.27
18.9
12.7
19.7
23.4
0.011
N/A
18.0
N/A
11.9
N/A
2.9
1.9
2008
112
67
0.30
0.27
19.8
12.8
19.1
N/A
0.010
N/A
16.8
N/A
13.9
N/A
3.8
2.0
2007
128
81
0.42
0.29
21.6
13.7
23.3
25.8
0.019
0.017
17.5
N/A
12.3
N/A
4.2
N/A
2006
112
63
0.52
0.31
21.4
14.0
22.5
19.8
0.016
0.022
18.3
N/A
13.1
N/A
4.2
3.2
2005
108
83
0.58
0.36
24.4
17.4
20.8
22.6
0.018
0.019
19.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.0
4.0
2004
102
70
0.58
0.43
24.1
15.0
18.9
N/A
0.023
0.014
19.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
3.7
2003
103
86
0.62
0.40
23.8
18.5
19.7
N/A
0.034
0.013
19.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.4
4.8
2002
128
88
0.56
0.36
26.8
18.3
21.2
N/A
0.035
0.019
18.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.9
4.3
2001
119
83
0.63
0.36
27.9
19.0
20.0
N/A
0.014
0.020
20.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.6
4.4
2000
111
71
0.68
0.35
26.7
18.2
19.0
N/A
0.034
0.027
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.5
5.2
Natural disasters
Type
Philadelphia
Detroit
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
96.6%
128.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
34.4%
53.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
22%
14%
Transportation
Philadelphia's public transit system is decent, covering many areas within the city. Detroit's public transit has room for improvement, though the city centers are reasonably accessible.
Transport
Type
Philadelphia
Detroit
Amtrak stations
2
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
347
93
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
Philadelphia
Detroit
Bicycle
2%
0.5%
Bus
11.7%
4%
Carpooled
8.7%
7.5%
Car alone
60%
83.4%
Railroad
0.7%
0%
Streetcar
4.2%
0.1%
Subway
2.8%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.5%
Walked
7.8%
2.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
Philadelphia
Detroit
Average
34.3 min
30.6 min
Other means
28.2 min
26 min
Public transportation
45.6 min
47.7 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Philadelphia
Detroit
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
87.1%
In 2 person carpool
10.2%
10.5%
In 3 person carpool
2%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Philadelphia's real estate market is stronger, with prices higher compared to Detroit. However, Detroit’s real estate is affordable and has been attracting investors due to the city's economic resurgence.
Neighborhoods
Philadelphia's neighborhoods each have their unique charm, offering a wide variety from historic, like Old City, to hip areas like Northern Liberties. Detroit neighborhoods like Midtown, Greektown, and New Center are also attractive, each with their distinct cultural and historical aspects.
Houses and residents
Type
Philadelphia
Detroit
Houses
733,015
322,906
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.6
Median year apartment built
1953
1953
Median year house/condo built
1947
1946
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16 years
16.7 years
Houses occupied
660,921 (90.2%)
251,729 (78%)
Houses occupied by owners
348,935 (52.8%)
129,084 (51.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
311,986 (47.2%)
122,645 (48.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,301
$798.06
Median monthly housing costs
$1,096
$755
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,453
$86,452
Estimated median house or condo value
$220,700
$69,300
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$292,974
$96,752
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$357,727
$72,631
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$264,854
$183,952
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$442,314
$242,851
Median house price - mobile homes
$163,609
$43,864
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$239,791
$128,652
Median house price - All housing units
$256,324
$101,554
Median house age
73
74
Renting percentage
45.9%
48.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,426.1
2,326.9
House value disparities
38.4%
48.4%
Household income disparities
49.5%
49.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,108
$61,259
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$44,075
$38,901
Housing units without a mortgage
8,484 (4%)
2,599 (5.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
18,029 (8.5%)
2,270 (4.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
202,880 (96%)
43,675 (94.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,280 (0.6%)
357 (0.8%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
22,966 (10.9%)
3,466 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
15
16
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.7%
17.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
3.3%
13.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Philadelphia
Detroit
One, detached
9.9%
66.0%
One, attached
55.9%
6.1%
Two
7.4%
6.5%
3 or 4
6.7%
2.7%
5 to 9
2.8%
2.2%
10 to 19
2.5%
2.7%
20 to 49
3.1%
3.9%
50 or more
11.2%
9.4%
Mobile homes
0.3%
0.5%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
29,270
11,725
State government workers
16,901
8,763
Unpaid family workers
570
441
Industries and Occupations
Healthcare, education, and professional services dominate Philadelphia's industries. Detroit, though renowned for its automotive industry, is diversifying into sectors like tech and healthcare.
Philadelphia excels in healthcare with several high-ranking hospitals. Detroit's healthcare is improving, with institutions like the Detroit Medical Center providing quality care.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Philadelphia
Detroit
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Philadelphia has an older city infrastructure that combines historical buildings with modern ones. The city continues its revitalization efforts, especially within Center City. Detroit, after its financial decline, is investing in improving its infrastructure, resulting in downtown revitalization and urban renewal projects.
Infrastructure
Type
Philadelphia
Detroit
Hospitals
91
41
TV stations
24
16
Arenas or stadiums
7
4
Bank branches located here
329
98
Bank institutions located here
46
12
Main business address for public companies
47
11
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Philadelphia
Detroit
1999
3,294
2,901
2000
3,202
4,079
2001
2,480
3,815
2002
2,012
3,247
2003
3,268
5,511
2004
4,525
9,068
2005
6,637
13,958
2006
7,517
16,654
2007
5,750
10,742
2008
2,745
2,823
2009
1,390
484
Culture and Food
Philadelphia is culturally rich, known for its music scene, historic sites, and iconic foods like Philly cheesesteak. Detroit also offers a vibrant cultural scene with Motown music and a diverse food scene.
Sports Teams
Both cities are home to several professional sports teams. Philadelphia has the Eagles (NFL), Phillies (MLB), 76ers (NBA), and Flyers (NHL). Detroit hosts the Lions (NFL), Tigers (MLB), Pistons (NBA), and Red Wings (NHL).
Philadelphia, PA
Detroit, MI
