Philadelphia, also known as the birthplace of America, and Raleigh, the City of Oaks, offer diverse lifestyles with unique characteristics. Philadelphia’s rich history and bustling urban life contrasts with Raleigh's progressive, fast-growing southern charm. Their distinct weather patterns, cost of living, education systems, economies, and cultures cater to different needs and preferences. This comparison considers factors such as safety, weather, education, and cost of living, painting a holistic picture to help individuals looking to relocate or visit either city.
Distance between
Philadelphia, PA and
Raleigh, NC : 346.0 miles
Philadelphia's population is larger by 236%. Its population has grown by 58,701 people (3.9%) since 2000. The population of Raleigh has grown by 193,031 people (69.9%) during that time.
Philadelphia's crime rate is somewhat higher than the national average, mainly driven by property crime. However, crime rates vary by neighborhood, with some areas considered very safe. Conversely, Raleigh's crime rate is lower than the national average, reflecting the city's safer reputation. Raleigh's safety is one of its attractive features for families considering relocation.
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 2,186 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Philadelphia is 554 to 1; the ratio in Raleigh is 210 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Philadelphia than in Raleigh.
Cost of Living
Living in Philadelphia is relatively more expensive than Raleigh. This difference is driven primarily by housing costs, which are significantly higher in Philadelphia. In terms of groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transportation, both cities are roughly comparable.
Income Tax
Philadelphia has a city income tax of 3.8712% for residents and 3.4481% for non-residents. Pennsylvania state income tax is a flat rate of 3.07%. Raleigh does not have a city income tax, and the North Carolina state income tax rate is a flat 5.25%.
Property Tax
Philadelphia city property tax is around 0.6317%, while the Pennsylvania state average is 1.58%. In Raleigh, the city property tax rate is about 0.9966%, typically lower than the North Carolina state average of 0.85%.
Sales Tax
Philadelphia has a city sales tax of 2%, and Pennsylvania has a state sales tax of 6%. Raleigh does not have a city sales tax, and North Carolina has a state sales tax of 4.75%.
Income
Type
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Estimated median household income
$52,899
$74,612
Estimated per capita income
$32,707
$44,001
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
105.4
95.1
If you make $50,000 in Raleigh, you will have to make $55,415 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Philadelphia is located in the Mid-Atlantic region, with proximity to both the ocean and mountains. Raleigh is situated in the Atlantic Coastal Plain region, providing easy access to beautiful beaches and scenic hiking trails in the Appalachians.
Philadelphia has a vast array of educational offerings, including top-tier universities such as the University of Pennsylvania. Raleigh's education sector is also robust, featuring prestigious institutions such as North Carolina State University. However, Philadelphia edges out slightly due to its greater variety of educational opportunities.
Philadelphia's economy is diverse, spanning education, healthcare, and financial services. The city has a higher unemployment rate compared to Raleigh. Raleigh's economy is expanding rapidly, fueled by sectors such as technology, healthcare, and education. Raleigh's job market is more vibrant, offering more opportunities for newcomers.
Biggest Employers
Philadelphia's biggest employers are in healthcare and education sectors, including the University of Pennsylvania and Jefferson Health. Meanwhile, Raleigh's major employers are tech companies like IBM and healthcare institutions like WakeMed Health.
There were 1,553 building permits issued in Philadelphia in 2012 (1108 more than in 2011) compared to 1,354 building permits issued in Raleigh in 2012 (366 more than in 2011).
In Philadelphia (Philadelphia County), 85.2% voted for Democrats and 14.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Raleigh (Wake County), 54.9% voted for Democrats and 43.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Philadelphia
Raleigh
2020
81.2%
62.3%
17.9%
35.9%
0.9%
1.8%
2016
82.3%
57.4%
15.3%
37.2%
2.4%
5.5%
2012
85.2%
54.9%
14.0%
43.5%
0.8%
1.6%
2008
83.2%
56.8%
16.4%
42.3%
0.4%
0.9%
2004
80.6%
48.7%
19.4%
50.9%
0.0%
0.4%
2000
80.4%
46.1%
18.1%
53.2%
1.5%
0.7%
1996
77.4%
45.9%
16.0%
48.2%
6.6%
5.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Philadelphia
Raleigh
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24.8%
11.0%
8.8%
2.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
3.8%
0.4%
6.7%
0.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.6%
1.1%
3.1%
1.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.2%
9.0%
9.9%
22.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
1.1%
3.8%
1.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.6%
3.1%
1.1%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.2%
1.4%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
1.7%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.0%
0.4%
0.5%
0.6%
Weather
Philadelphia experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, cold winters, and year-round precipitation. Winter can be harsh with frequent snowfall. Raleigh, on the other hand, enjoys a milder climate, with hot summers and cool winters, and less exposure to snow. The milder winters make Raleigh a more favorable destination for those less inclined towards cold weather.
Weather and climate
Type
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Temperature - Average
54.8°F
59.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
73.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
44%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
90%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
45.7 in
46.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
45.1 in
13.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.4%
18.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
59.8%
63.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
18%
13%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
63%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
51%
Wind speed - Average
10 mph
7.1 mph
Average climate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Average climate in Raleigh, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Philadelphia
Raleigh
2018
99
71
0.37
0.23
10.7
4.9
24.3
27.5
N/A
N/A
17.2
14.6
9.2
9.5
0.9
0.2
2017
105
70
0.32
0.23
11.0
5.5
25.3
25.8
0.004
N/A
22.3
14.7
8.9
9.3
1.0
0.2
2016
99
80
0.30
0.23
13.6
5.6
25.1
26.9
0.007
N/A
23.2
8.7
9.5
10.0
1.4
0.3
2015
110
79
0.34
0.27
15.8
5.7
22.6
28.6
0.007
N/A
23.9
12.4
10.5
11.0
1.8
0.3
2014
105
74
0.34
0.26
16.8
6.0
23.1
29.9
0.027
N/A
23.0
N/A
11.7
11.2
2.2
0.3
2013
105
72
0.27
0.26
16.7
N/A
22.5
26.9
0.029
N/A
31.0
N/A
10.5
10.7
1.5
0.4
2012
111
80
0.29
0.28
17.8
N/A
23.0
29.7
0.040
N/A
14.6
N/A
11.7
9.5
1.5
0.6
2011
113
84
0.28
0.27
19.9
N/A
24.3
32.9
0.039
N/A
16.9
N/A
9.8
10.3
1.9
0.7
2010
116
89
0.30
0.30
20.1
N/A
23.0
32.4
0.009
N/A
21.7
N/A
12.2
10.9
2.6
1.0
2009
95
77
0.32
0.30
18.9
N/A
19.7
27.8
0.011
N/A
18.0
N/A
11.9
10.3
2.9
1.0
2008
112
99
0.30
0.36
19.8
N/A
19.1
32.3
0.010
N/A
16.8
N/A
13.9
12.5
3.8
1.4
2007
128
98
0.42
0.40
21.6
N/A
23.3
35.7
0.019
N/A
17.5
N/A
12.3
13.9
4.2
1.2
2006
112
90
0.52
0.44
21.4
N/A
22.5
31.9
0.016
N/A
18.3
N/A
13.1
13.5
4.2
0.9
2005
108
80
0.58
0.38
24.4
N/A
20.8
33.9
0.018
N/A
19.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.0
2.5
2004
102
82
0.58
0.40
24.1
N/A
18.9
28.4
0.023
N/A
19.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
2.6
2003
103
82
0.62
N/A
23.8
N/A
19.7
29.9
0.034
N/A
19.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.4
3.0
2002
128
89
0.56
N/A
26.8
N/A
21.2
36.1
0.035
N/A
18.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.9
2.6
2001
119
128
0.63
N/A
27.9
N/A
20.0
34.5
0.014
N/A
20.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.6
N/A
2000
111
115
0.68
0.64
26.7
N/A
19.0
34.1
0.034
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.5
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
96.6%
95.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
34.4%
52.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
22%
18%
Transportation
Philadelphia has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, subways, and trams, making it easy to navigate the city without a car. Raleigh’s public transit includes buses and a developing light-rail system. However, Raleigh is more spread out, making owning a car somewhat more necessary.
Transport
Type
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Amtrak stations
2
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
347
499
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Bicycle
2%
0.2%
Bus
11.7%
1.1%
Carpooled
8.7%
8.5%
Car alone
60%
87.4%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0.7%
0%
Streetcar
4.2%
0%
Subway
2.8%
0%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.3%
Walked
7.8%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Average
34.3 min
29.4 min
Other means
28.2 min
22.5 min
Public transportation
45.6 min
39.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.4%
90.1%
In 2 person carpool
10.2%
7.6%
In 3 person carpool
2%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Philadelphia's real estate market is more expensive, with a mix of historic and modern properties. Raleigh's real estate market offers more affordable housing options, ticking the box for those seeking homes in a more moderate price range.
Neighborhoods
Philadelphia's neighborhoods, such as Old City and Society Hill, boast historic charm. Raleigh's neighborhoods like Cameron Park and Mordecai are known for beautiful oak-lined streets and family-friendly environments.
Houses and residents
Type
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Houses
733,015
217,866
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.4
Median year apartment built
1953
1995
Median year house/condo built
1947
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16 years
11.5 years
Houses occupied
660,921 (90.2%)
194,917 (89.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
348,935 (52.8%)
103,367 (53%)
Houses occupied by renters
311,986 (47.2%)
91,550 (47%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,301
$1,740
Median monthly housing costs
$1,096
$1,298
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,453
$302,120
Estimated median house or condo value
$220,700
$340,200
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.7
Median house price - detached houses
$292,974
$446,507
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$357,727
$403,968
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$264,854
$170,635
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$442,314
$306,998
Median house price - mobile homes
$163,609
$31,622
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$239,791
$292,086
Median house price - All housing units
$256,324
$404,828
Median house age
73
26
Renting percentage
45.9%
46.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,426.1
1,901.1
House value disparities
38.4%
30.8%
Household income disparities
49.5%
45.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,108
$114,680
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$44,075
$81,716
Housing units without a mortgage
8,484 (4%)
1,689 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
18,029 (8.5%)
6,627 (8.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
202,880 (96%)
78,923 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,280 (0.6%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
22,966 (10.9%)
7,783 (9.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
15
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.7%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
3.3%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Philadelphia
Raleigh
One, detached
9.9%
45.0%
One, attached
55.9%
14.0%
Two
7.4%
1.2%
3 or 4
6.7%
4.6%
5 to 9
2.8%
6.3%
10 to 19
2.5%
12.4%
20 to 49
3.1%
6.0%
50 or more
11.2%
9.2%
Mobile homes
0.3%
1.2%
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
12,488
State government workers
16,901
19,792
Unpaid family workers
570
523
Industries and Occupations
Philadelphia's economic landscape is diverse, with leading sectors in education, healthcare, and finance. Raleigh's economy is centered around the "Research Triangle," consisting of high-tech and biotech research and advanced textile development.
Philadelphia is a healthcare hub, boasting some of the nation’s top hospitals, like the Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania. Raleigh also offers excellent healthcare but is not typically recognized as a national leader in this area.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Philadelphia
Raleigh
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Philadelphia boasts significant history, meaning part of its infrastructure is outdated, but it also has modern amenities and structures. Raleigh, being a newer city, has more recent infrastructure, reflecting its growth and expansion in the last few decades.
Infrastructure
Type
Philadelphia
Raleigh
Hospitals
91
19
TV stations
24
20
Arenas or stadiums
7
3
Bank branches located here
329
136
Bank institutions located here
46
27
Main business address for public companies
47
21
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Philadelphia
Raleigh
1999
3,294
1,618
2000
3,202
890
2001
2,480
557
2002
2,012
510
2003
3,268
564
2004
4,525
700
2005
6,637
1,083
2006
7,517
1,097
2007
5,750
859
2008
2,745
424
2009
1,390
253
Culture and Food
Philadelphia offers a rich cultural experience with a strong influence of Italian and Irish descent, which reflects in its food, notably the Philadelphia Cheesesteak. Raleigh's culture exudes Southern charm, with a food scene grounded in classic barbecues and fresh seafood.
Sports Teams
Philadelphia is home to several professional sports teams in football (Eagles), baseball (Phillies), and basketball (76ers). Raleigh hosts fewer professional teams, with the most notable being the NHL team, the Carolina Hurricanes.
Philadelphia, PA
Raleigh, NC
