Lee's Summit vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Lee's Summit	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$100,625	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	4%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$380,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$167	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$886	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	88.1	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.0	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	—	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	28	40

Philadelphia vs. Lee's Summit: The Ultimate East Coast Meets Midwest Showdown

So, you're trying to decide between the gritty, historic streets of Philadelphia and the sprawling, suburban calm of Lee's Summit? This isn't just a choice between two cities; it's a choice between two entirely different lifestyles. One offers the energy of a major metropolis, while the other promises a quieter, family-centric existence. Let's cut through the noise and see which one actually fits your life.

The Vibe Check: Historic Grit vs. Suburban Bliss

Philadelphia is a city with a chip on its shoulder and a story in every brick. It's the underdog of the Northeast—a place where you can grab a legendary cheesesteak for lunch, tour the Liberty Bell in the afternoon, and catch a world-class concert or a tense 76ers game at night. The energy is palpable. It's dense, walkable, and unapologetically urban. You'll find tight-knit neighborhoods, incredible diversity, and a culture that blends old-world history with a modern arts and food scene. This is a city for people who want to be in the mix, who crave the buzz of street life, and who don’t mind a little grit to get the authenticity.

Lee's Summit, on the other hand, is the picture of the American Dream, Midwest edition. Located in the Kansas City metro area, it’s a classic suburb that has grown into a destination in its own right. The vibe here is clean, safe, and family-oriented. Think pristine parks, top-rated public schools, and new subdivisions with spacious backyards. It’s the place you move to when you’re ready to trade late-night buzz for weekend soccer games and community festivals. The pace is slower, the streets are wider, and the focus is squarely on quality of life and raising a family.

Who is it for?

• Philadelphia is for the young professional, the artist, the history buff, and anyone who thrives on the energy of a big city. It's for those who want world-class museums, diverse food options, and public transit as a primary way of life.
• Lee's Summit is for families, first-time homebuyers seeking space, and those who prioritize safety, schools, and a strong sense of community. It's for people who want a quieter home base but still want access to the amenities of a major metro (Kansas City is right next door).

The Dollar Power: Purchasing Power Wars

This is where the data gets really interesting. On the surface, Lee's Summit has a higher median income, but the true test is purchasing power—what your salary actually buys you in each location.

Let's break down the monthly costs.

Cost of Living Comparison (Monthly Estimates)

Expense Category	Philadelphia	Lee's Summit	The Insight
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$886	Lee's Summit wins big. You save over $565/month on rent alone.
Utilities	~$160	~$140	Philly edges out slightly, but it's a minor difference.
Groceries	~$350	~$320	Slight edge to Lee's Summit, but both are close to national average.
Total (Rent Focus)	~$1,961	~$1,346	Lee's Summit is about 31% cheaper on basic monthly living costs.

Salary Wars: The "Sticker Shock" of Taxes
Now, let's talk about the paycheck. Lee's Summit has a median income of $100,625, which is a staggering 67% higher than Philadelphia's $60,302. But hold on—Missouri has a state income tax (ranging from 1.5% to 5.3%), while Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. Both cities have a local wage tax (Philly is 3.8398% for residents; Lee's Summit is 1.5%).

Here's the real kicker: If you earn $100,000 in both cities, your take-home pay in Lee's Summit would be approximately $74,500 (after federal, state, and local taxes), while in Philadelphia, it would be roughly $73,000. The difference is minimal. However, with Lee's Summit's median home price of $380,000 vs. Philly's $270,375, and significantly lower rent, your money stretches much further in the Midwest. The higher median income in Lee's Summit is a reflection of the area's economic strength, but the cost of living ensures you get more bang for your buck.

Verdict: Lee's Summit offers superior purchasing power for most middle-class earners. The lower housing costs, combined with a competitive median income, mean you can afford a larger home, save more, or simply live more comfortably on the same salary.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia: The market is diverse but competitive. You can find a historic rowhome in a gentrifying neighborhood for under $300k, but it might need work. The Housing Index of 117.8 indicates it's above the national average, and in popular neighborhoods like Fishtown or Graduate Hospital, you'll face bidding wars. Rent is high, and the rental market is tight. For buyers, it's a seller's market in desirable areas, but there are deals to be found if you're willing to compromise on location or renovation needs.

Lee's Summit: The market is a different beast. The median home price of $380,000 is higher than Philly's, but you're getting a modern, single-family home with a yard, garage, and space—things that are a luxury in Philadelphia. The Housing Index of 88.1 is below the national average, signaling a more affordable market relative to the nation. As a pure buyer's market, inventory is moving, but there's less frenzy than in major coastal cities. For renters, the $886/month for a 1BR is a dream compared to Philly, and the stock of rental units is growing with new developments.

Verdict: Lee's Summit is the clear winner for buyers seeking space and modern amenities. Philadelphia offers more entry-level opportunities for buyers who want urban living and are willing to invest in renovation, but it's a tougher market for renters.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: A commuter's challenge. Traffic on I-95 and the Schuylkill can be brutal. The real advantage is public transit (SEPTA), which is extensive and usable, though it has its reliability issues. The average commute is around 28 minutes.
• Lee's Summit: A car is mandatory. The commute to downtown Kansas City is about 25-30 minutes on I-70, and traffic is generally predictable and lighter than a major East Coast city. The average commute is 24 minutes, but you're almost always driving.

Weather:

• Philadelphia: Has a true four seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), winters can be snowy and icy (average low in Jan is 26°F), and spring/fall are beautiful. The humidity can be a dealbreaker for some.
• Lee's Summit: Experiences a Midwestern climate with extremes. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), but winters are colder and windy (average low in Jan is 20°F), with more consistent snowfall. The weather is more volatile, with a higher chance of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the spring.

Crime & Safety:
This is the most significant differentiator. The data is stark.

• Philadelphia: The violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100,000. This is a major concern and affects daily life, neighborhood choices, and perception of safety. It's a city-wide issue, though it varies dramatically by neighborhood.
• Lee's Summit: The violent crime rate is 234.0 per 100,000. While no place is perfectly safe, this is significantly lower than the national average and dramatically lower than Philadelphia. Safety is a primary reason families choose Lee's Summit.

Verdict: Lee's Summit wins decisively on safety and commute predictability. Philadelphia offers the advantage of a car-optional lifestyle and a more dynamic climate, but at the cost of significant safety concerns.

The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

After crunching the numbers and feeling the vibes, here’s the final breakdown.

Winner Category	City	Why
For Families	Lee's Summit	Superior schools, lower crime, more space, and a community built around family life. The higher median income and lower relative costs make it financially sustainable.
For Singles/Young Pros	Philadelphia	The city's energy, walkability, public transit, and endless cultural and social opportunities are unbeatable for a young person building a career and social life.
For Retirees	Lee's Summit	The combination of lower cost of living, excellent healthcare access (via KC metro), safe environment, and slower pace is ideal for a comfortable retirement.

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Philadelphia: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Unbeatable Culture & History: World-class museums, theaters, and historic sites.
• Walkable & Transit-Friendly: You can live without a car in many neighborhoods.
• Food Scene: From fine dining to iconic street food, the variety is incredible.
• Job Market: Strong in healthcare (UPenn, Jefferson), education, and finance.
• Vibrant Neighborhoods: Each has a distinct personality and community.

Cons:

• High Crime Rate: The violent crime statistic is a serious concern.
• High Cost of Living: Especially for rent and city wage tax.
• Traffic & Commute Stress: Driving can be a nightmare.
• Urban Grime: It's a major city, which comes with noise, litter, and density.

Lee's Summit: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Excellent Safety Record: Low crime rates provide peace of mind.
• Great Value: Your salary goes much further in housing and daily expenses.
• Top-Tier Schools: The public school system is a major draw.
• Space & Modern Living: Ample room for a family in a newer home.
• Access to Kansas City: Enjoy big-city amenities (sports, concerts, airport) with a short drive.

Cons:

• Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited; you'll drive everywhere.
• Less "Buzz": Quieter, more suburban feel lacks the urban energy of a major city.
• Weather Extremes: Hot, humid summers and cold, windy winters.
• Limited Walkability: Most errands require a car.

The Bottom Line: Choose Philadelphia if you crave the pulse of a major historic city and are willing to trade space and safety for walkability and cultural immersion. Choose Lee's Summit if you're prioritizing safety, schools, and getting more house for your money in a stable, community-focused environment. For most families and retirees, Lee's Summit offers a more comfortable and financially sound life. For young professionals and culture seekers, Philadelphia's challenges are part of its undeniable charm.