Category / Metric	St. George	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$77,431	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.6%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$500,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$260	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,099	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	116.1	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	99.0	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	189.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	37.5%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	65	40

Philadelphia vs. St. George: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

Let’s cut to the chase. You’re trying to decide between Philadelphia and St. George. On paper, they share a deceptive similarity—both have average annual temperatures around 52°F. But that’s where the similarities end. This isn’t a choice between two similar cities; it’s a choice between two completely different worlds.

Philadelphia is the gritty, historic, fast-paced big city. St. George is the sunny, rapidly growing, family-centric suburban haven. One offers the energy of a major metro, the other the peace of a mountain town.

So, which one deserves your next chapter? Let’s break it down, head-to-head.

The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Mountain Town

Philadelphia is a city that never apologizes for itself. It’s loud, proud, and unapologetically real. As the birthplace of American democracy, it drips with history, but it’s also a blue-collar powerhouse with a thriving food scene, world-class arts, and a legendary sports culture. The vibe is gritty, authentic, and energetic. You’ll find row houses, bustling sidewalks, and a palpable sense of hustle. It’s for the person who wants to feel connected to a massive, living, breathing organism of a city.

St. George is the polar opposite. Nestled in the high desert of Utah, it’s a city that has exploded in popularity for its stunning red rock scenery, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly atmosphere. The vibe is clean, spacious, and active. Life revolves around hiking, golfing, and community events. It’s for the person who wants a slower pace, easy access to nature, and a tight-knit community feel. The population is a fraction of Philly’s, and the development feels new and planned.

Who is each city for?

Philadelphia is for the young professional, the foodie, the history buff, and anyone who craves the energy and amenities of a major city without the astronomical price tag of New York or Boston.
St. George is for families, outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, and remote workers seeking a scenic, safe, and sunny environment with room to breathe.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?

This is where the rubber meets the road. A high salary means nothing if your cost of living eats it all up. Let’s look at the raw data.

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Category	Philadelphia, PA	St. George, UT	Winner
Median Home Price	$270,375	$500,000	🏆 Philadelphia
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,099	🏆 St. George
Housing Index	117.8	116.1	🏆 St. George (Slightly)
Median Income	$60,302	$77,431	🏆 St. George

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:

At first glance, St. George looks like the financial winner. The median income is $17,000 higher, and rent is significantly cheaper. However, the home price is a massive dealbreaker. The median home in St. George costs $229,625 more than in Philadelphia. That’s nearly double the price.

Let's run the numbers on a $100,000 salary:

In Philadelphia: Buying a median home for $270,375 is challenging but possible for a dual-income household. Your purchasing power is strong for everyday goods, but high property taxes (Philly’s are notoriously steep) will eat into your monthly budget.
In St. George: With a $500,000 median home, a $100,000 salary faces severe affordability issues. You’d likely need to be a two-earner household with a combined income well over $150,000 to comfortably afford the median home. The catch? Utah has a 4.65% state income tax, while Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state tax. This gives Philly a slight edge for high earners.

Insight: While St. George offers higher salaries and lower rent, the housing market is a brutal equalizer. Philadelphia offers far more housing bang for your buck. St. George is a seller’s market with intense competition; Philadelphia is a more balanced market.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia:
The housing stock is diverse. You can find a historic row house in Fishtown, a modern condo in Center City, or a single-family home in the suburbs. The market is competitive but not cutthroat. For renters, there’s a wide range of options, though prices have been climbing steadily. The key advantage here is entry cost. Getting into homeownership is more attainable for the average earner.

St. George:
The housing market is white-hot. New subdivisions are going up everywhere, but inventory is low. You’re competing with retirees, second-home buyers, and remote workers from expensive coastal cities. This has driven prices to staggering levels. Renting is more affordable, but the rental inventory is tight and often geared toward short-term vacation stays. If you’re looking to buy, you’d better be prepared for bidding wars and high prices.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Philadelphia: Traffic can be heavy, especially on I-76 and I-95. The commute can be a grind. However, the city has a robust public transit system (SEPTA), including buses, subways, and regional rail, which is a rare major-city advantage.
St. George: Traffic is a growing pain. The I-15 corridor gets congested, especially during peak tourist seasons. The city is designed for cars, and public transit is minimal. Your commute will likely be short and easy, but you’ll be driving everywhere.

Weather

Both cities share a 52°F average annual temperature, but the experience is worlds apart.

Philadelphia: You get four distinct, often extreme seasons. Hot, humid summers (regularly hitting 90°F+), cold, snowy winters (often below freezing), and beautiful springs and falls. It’s a true seasonal experience.
St. George: You get a high-desert climate. Hot, dry summers (easily hitting 100°F+), mild, sunny winters (rarely sees snow), and low humidity year-round. It’s sunnier and drier, but the summer heat is intense and relentless.

Crime & Safety

This is a stark contrast and a major deciding factor for many.

Philadelphia: The violent crime rate is 726.5 incidents per 100,000 people. While this is a nationwide issue for large cities, it’s a reality you must navigate. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Some areas are perfectly safe, while others require caution.
St. George: The violent crime rate is 189.0 incidents per 100,000 people. This is remarkably low, even for a city of its size. It consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in America. This is a massive point in St. George’s favor for families and retirees.

The Verdict: Who Wins?

This isn’t about one city being “better” than the other. It’s about which city is the right fit for you.

🏆 Winner for Families: St. George

Why: The low crime rate (189/100k), excellent schools, abundance of outdoor activities, and family-oriented community make it an undeniable haven for raising kids. The trade-off is the high housing cost, which requires a strong dual income.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Philadelphia

Why: The cultural amenities, nightlife, job opportunities (especially in healthcare, education, and tech), and social scene are unmatched. The lower entry cost for housing allows for more financial freedom to explore the city. The energy is palpable.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: St. George

Why: Safety, sunshine, and an active lifestyle. The mild winters are a huge draw for those escaping colder climates. The stunning scenery and golf courses are a major bonus. The high home prices might be a hurdle, but many retirees are selling expensive homes elsewhere to cash in.

Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Philadelphia: The Gritty, Historic Metropolis

Pros:

Affordable Housing: Median home price of $270,375 is a fraction of other major cities.
Vibrant Culture: World-class museums, restaurants, and a legendary arts scene.
Walkability & Transit: Excellent public transportation reduces car dependency.
Job Market: Large, diverse economy with strong sectors in healthcare and education.

Cons:

High Crime: Violent crime rate is over 3.5x higher than St. George.
Urban Grime: Not as clean or polished as a planned city.
Taxes: High property taxes and city wage tax.
Traffic & Congestion: Commutes can be taxing.

St. George: The Sunny, Safe Mountain Haven