City comparison
No. Washington's crime index is 223 versus 261 in Philadelphia, and its violent crime index is 243 versus 252, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Philadelphia is cheaper. Median rent is $1,397 a month versus $1,954 in Washington.
The income gap between Philadelphia and Washington is significant: $61,953 median household versus $109,870. That spread matters more if you are job hunting locally than if you are remote. Typical rent is $1,397 in Philadelphia and $1,954 in Washington.
Washington is not a close call here. It leads on the job market, safety, and weather by margins that add up in daily life. Philadelphia makes sense if you have a specific reason, a job offer, family, or a neighborhood you already know, but on the numbers alone Washington is the stronger move.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Philadelphia at $1,397 average has pockets that run $1,197 and others at $1,797: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Philadelphia and Washington are 124 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,397 a month in Philadelphia to $1,954 a month in Washington, up $557 a month (40%).
Median household income goes from $61,953 in Philadelphia to $109,870 in Washington, up $47,917 (77%).
The crime index goes from 261 in Philadelphia to 223 in Washington, down 38 points (15%).
The move
Washington and Philadelphia are 124 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,954 a month in Washington to $1,397 a month in Philadelphia, down $557 a month (29%).
Median household income goes from $109,870 in Washington to $61,953 in Philadelphia, down $47,917 (44%).
The crime index goes from 223 in Washington to 261 in Philadelphia, up 38 points (17%).
Philadelphia, PA
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Washington, DC
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Philadelphia and Washington? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
29% cheaper
Philadelphia rent is 29% cheaper than Washington
Philadelphia
Winner$1,397/mo
Washington
$1,954/mo
Typical rent runs $1,397 a month in Philadelphia versus $1,954 in Washington, so Philadelphia is 29% cheaper. That's roughly $557/month back in your pocket ($6,684/year). Over five years that's $33,420 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Washington, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Philadelphia is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Washington? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
77% higher
Washington's median income is 77% higher than Philadelphia
Philadelphia
$61,953
Washington
Winner$109,870
Median household income is $109,870 in Washington versus $61,953 in Philadelphia, so typical pay runs 77% higher in Washington (about $47,917 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Washington is the stronger labor market on paper. Philadelphia can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
15% lower crime
Washington's crime index is 15% lower than Philadelphia
Philadelphia
261 (100 = avg)
Washington
Winner223 (100 = avg)
Washington's crime index is 223 versus 261 in Philadelphia (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 15% lower in Washington. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Washington, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Philadelphia. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
4% more comfortable
Washington weather is 4% more comfortable than Philadelphia
Philadelphia
59°F avg · 67°F highs · comfort 83/100
Washington
Winner60°F avg · 68°F highs · comfort 86/100
Philadelphia averages about 59°F (67°F highs); Washington averages about 60°F (68°F highs). Philadelphia averages around 59°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Washington averages around 60°F. Washington scores 4% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Philadelphia if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
People with a job, family, or neighborhood already pulling them to Philadelphia
Philadelphia is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 29% cheaper here at about $1,397 a month. Choose Philadelphia if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 77% higher ($109,870), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 60°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Washington is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 15% lower than Philadelphia (223 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Bottom line
Pay is the headline: Washington median income is $109,870 versus $61,953 in Philadelphia (44% higher). Rent still runs $1,954/month in Washington and $1,397/month in Philadelphia, so the wage edge only helps if your offer matches Washington rates.
Washington still pays more locally ($109,870 median income vs $61,953), which can offset the lease if your field pays Washington rates.
Safety scores read 31/100 in Philadelphia and 36/100 in Washington.
Washington clears the bar on local pay in this dataset. Philadelphia deserves a serious look only when keeping rent near $1,397/month beats chasing $109,870 median income.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Washington when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Philadelphia and Washington, plus other cities in PA and DC.
