Comparing two diverse cities like Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Miami, Florida, reveals stark contrasts and surprising commonalities in various aspects ranging from cost of living, weather, education to economic prospects. Geographical conditions, culture, and transportation systems also significantly impact the quality of life in both cities. This comparison aims to provide a comprehensive understanding between these cities, enabling people considering to relocate or visit as tourists to make well-informed decisions.
Distance between
Philadelphia, PA and
Miami, FL : 1,024.6 miles
Philadelphia's population is larger by 258%. Its population has grown by 58,701 people (3.9%) since 2000. The population of Miami has grown by 77,420 people (21.4%) during that time.
Both Philadelphia and Miami face challenges with crime, although the rates and types vary. Philadelphia's crime rate, particularly in violent categories, tends to be higher than Miami's. However, like most large U.S. cities, crime is concentrated in specific areas, and many neighborhoods are safe and family-friendly in both cities. The use of community policing and crime reduced initiatives are visible in both areas, and residents are advised to stay informed and vigilant.
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 3,181 registered sex offenders living in Philadelphia and 1,373 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Philadelphia is 493 to 1; the ratio in Miami is 330 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Philadelphia than in Miami.
Cost of Living
Depending on the area, the cost of living in both Miami and Philadelphia can vary considerably, but overall Philadelphia is generally less expensive. This cost difference is most notably seen in housing prices, where Philadelphia provides more affordable options. However, Miami offers residents a zero percent state income tax, which may counterbalance some of the higher living costs.
Income Tax
Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%, and Philadelphia residents pay an additional city wage tax. However, Florida does not have a state or city income tax, which can make it a favorable location for high-earning individuals.
Property Tax
Regarding property tax, homeowners in Philadelphia have a lower property tax rate compared to those in Miami. Miami has one of the highest property tax rates in Florida, primarily due to the high property values.
Sales Tax
The state sales tax in Florida is 6%, with Miami-Dade County adding an additional 1%. Pennsylvania has a 6% state sales tax, and Philadelphia adds another 2%, totaling to an 8% sales tax within the city limits.
Income
Type
Philadelphia
Miami
Estimated median household income
$52,899
$48,789
Estimated per capita income
$32,707
$37,223
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
105.4
110.1
If you make $50,000 in Philadelphia, you will have to make $52,230 in Miami to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Philadelphia, known for its rolling hills, is situated where the Delaware and Schuykill rivers meet. On the other hand, Miami is known for its flat terrain, beautiful sandy beaches, and is situated on the Atlantic coast.
Philadelphia is renowned for its education with a high school graduation rate of over 80%. The School District of Philadelphia administers the city's public schools, and there are also a large number of private institutions. Miami also boasts an impressive educational sector, including Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the fourth-largest public school district in the U.S., and numerous private schools.
Philadelphia and Miami have diverse economies with thriving sectors. Philadelphia's economy is driven by healthcare, education, and professional and business services, while Miami has a strong focus on tourism, finance, and international trade. Both cities have great employment opportunities, albeit in different sectors.
Biggest Employers
In Philadelphia, the biggest employers include the federal and city government, the University of Pennsylvania, and CHOP. In Miami, the Miami-Dade County, University of Miami, Baptist Health South Florida are the largest employers.
There were 1,553 building permits issued in Philadelphia in 2012 (1108 more than in 2011) compared to 102 building permits issued in Miami in 2012 (81 more than in 2011).
In Philadelphia (Philadelphia County), 85.2% voted for Democrats and 14.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Miami (Miami-Dade County), 61.8% voted for Democrats and 38.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Philadelphia
Miami
Philadelphia
Miami
Philadelphia
Miami
2020
81.2%
53.5%
17.9%
46.2%
0.9%
0.3%
2016
82.3%
63.4%
15.3%
33.9%
2.4%
2.7%
2012
85.2%
61.8%
14.0%
38.0%
0.8%
0.3%
2008
83.2%
58.1%
16.4%
41.9%
0.4%
0.0%
2004
80.6%
53.0%
19.4%
46.7%
0.0%
0.3%
2000
80.4%
52.7%
18.1%
46.4%
1.5%
0.9%
1996
77.4%
57.3%
16.0%
37.9%
6.6%
4.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Philadelphia
Miami
Philadelphia
Miami
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24.8%
21.8%
8.8%
4.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
3.8%
0.0%
6.7%
0.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.6%
0.9%
3.1%
1.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.2%
3.2%
9.9%
21.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.5%
3.8%
2.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.2%
3.1%
1.3%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.1%
1.4%
1.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
1.1%
1.7%
4.3%
Weather
The weather provides a sharp contrast between the two cities. Philadelphia experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. On the other hand, Miami has a tropical monsoon climate, with hot humid summers and warm winters. This sunny, year-round weather is inviting for those who despise cold weather and love beach-related activities.
Weather and climate
Type
Philadelphia
Miami
Temperature - Average
54.8°F
77.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
77.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
45.7 in
60 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
45.1 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.4%
12.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
59.8%
76.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
18%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
63%
79%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
63%
Wind speed - Average
10 mph
9.1 mph
Average climate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Average climate in Miami, Florida
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Philadelphia
Miami
Philadelphia
Miami
Philadelphia
Miami
Philadelphia
Miami
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Miami
Philadelphia
Miami
Philadelphia
Miami
2018
99
72
0.37
0.24
10.7
2.7
24.3
31.8
N/A
N/A
17.2
15.5
9.2
8.6
0.9
0.3
2017
105
80
0.32
0.27
11.0
3.0
25.3
30.9
0.004
N/A
22.3
N/A
8.9
8.5
1.0
0.4
2016
99
68
0.30
0.30
13.6
2.9
25.1
32.6
0.007
N/A
23.2
N/A
9.5
7.2
1.4
0.0
2015
110
62
0.34
0.23
15.8
2.4
22.6
29.0
0.007
N/A
23.9
N/A
10.5
8.2
1.8
0.0
2014
105
71
0.34
0.21
16.8
3.8
23.1
30.7
0.027
N/A
23.0
N/A
11.7
8.0
2.2
0.0
2013
105
64
0.27
0.22
16.7
3.1
22.5
30.8
0.029
N/A
31.0
N/A
10.5
7.9
1.5
0.0
2012
111
71
0.29
0.19
17.8
2.9
23.0
32.1
0.040
N/A
14.6
N/A
11.7
8.7
1.5
0.0
2011
113
72
0.28
0.16
19.9
3.0
24.3
32.3
0.039
N/A
16.9
N/A
9.8
8.7
1.9
0.0
2010
116
77
0.30
0.31
20.1
4.2
23.0
32.3
0.009
N/A
21.7
N/A
12.2
9.1
2.6
0.0
2009
95
67
0.32
0.53
18.9
3.3
19.7
31.9
0.011
N/A
18.0
N/A
11.9
9.1
2.9
0.0
2008
112
95
0.30
0.55
19.8
3.8
19.1
31.0
0.010
N/A
16.8
18.0
13.9
10.5
3.8
0.0
2007
128
94
0.42
0.59
21.6
5.0
23.3
33.5
0.019
N/A
17.5
21.9
12.3
10.5
4.2
0.0
2006
112
87
0.52
0.48
21.4
5.8
22.5
34.6
0.016
N/A
18.3
22.3
13.1
10.2
4.2
0.0
2005
108
75
0.58
0.55
24.4
6.0
20.8
31.8
0.018
N/A
19.7
18.8
N/A
8.7
5.0
0.0
2004
102
69
0.58
1.02
24.1
5.9
18.9
31.3
0.023
N/A
19.1
19.5
N/A
8.5
5.2
0.3
2003
103
70
0.62
0.99
23.8
6.5
19.7
29.5
0.034
N/A
19.6
N/A
N/A
8.4
5.4
0.4
2002
128
75
0.56
0.71
26.8
6.3
21.2
30.2
0.035
N/A
18.3
N/A
N/A
8.4
4.9
2.1
2001
119
84
0.63
0.80
27.9
5.9
20.0
30.2
0.014
N/A
20.6
N/A
N/A
9.1
5.6
1.5
2000
111
66
0.68
0.89
26.7
6.7
19.0
31.1
0.034
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.5
1.3
Natural disasters
Type
Philadelphia
Miami
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
96.6%
63%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
34.4%
1.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
22%
10%
Transportation
Public transportation in Philadelphia is extensive, with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority providing bus, subway, and trolley services. Miami also has a comprehensive public transit system, including Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus. Owing to their metropolitan nature, both cities face issues with traffic congestion, especially during rush hours.
Transport
Type
Philadelphia
Miami
Amtrak stations
2
2
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
347
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
159
Means of transportation to work
Type
Philadelphia
Miami
Bicycle
2%
0.8%
Bus
11.7%
3.8%
Carpooled
8.7%
8.5%
Car alone
60%
81.1%
Railroad
0.7%
0.2%
Streetcar
4.2%
0.5%
Subway
2.8%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.2%
Walked
7.8%
2.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Philadelphia
Miami
Average
34.3 min
33.7 min
Other means
28.2 min
26.1 min
Public transportation
45.6 min
48.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Philadelphia
Miami
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.4%
89%
In 2 person carpool
10.2%
9.2%
In 3 person carpool
2%
0.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.4%
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
In terms of real estate, Philadelphia provides more affordable options compared to Miami. Houses in the latter tend to be more expensive due partly to the city's coastal location and high demand from international investors. On the flip side, higher property costs in Miami mean a greater potential for investment return.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer diverse neighborhoods each with its unique charm. In Philadelphia, you have areas like Center City for its cultural institutions, Fishtown for its vibrant music scene, and West Philly for its diversity. Miami’s districts like Brickell are known for high-rise luxury, Coconut Grove for lush vegetation and history, and Little Havana for its cultural richness.
Houses and residents
Type
Philadelphia
Miami
Houses
733,015
219,775
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.5
Median year apartment built
1953
1981
Median year house/condo built
1947
1968
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16 years
13.8 years
Houses occupied
660,921 (90.2%)
192,219 (87.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
348,935 (52.8%)
58,463 (30.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
311,986 (47.2%)
133,756 (69.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,301
$2,006
Median monthly housing costs
$1,096
$1,456
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,453
$1,201,540
Estimated median house or condo value
$220,700
$411,300
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
3.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5
Median house price - detached houses
$292,974
$499,839
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$357,727
$427,603
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$264,854
$107,725
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$442,314
$570,126
Median house price - mobile homes
$163,609
$238,353
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$239,791
$768,446
Median house price - All housing units
$256,324
$550,392
Median house age
73
43
Renting percentage
45.9%
67.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,426.1
6,160.8
House value disparities
38.4%
31.5%
Household income disparities
49.5%
51.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,108
$92,897
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$44,075
$52,201
Housing units without a mortgage
8,484 (4%)
686 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
18,029 (8.5%)
1,692 (5.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
202,880 (96%)
32,656 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,280 (0.6%)
36 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
22,966 (10.9%)
2,892 (8.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
15
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.7%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
3.3%
0.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Philadelphia
Miami
One, detached
9.9%
22.6%
One, attached
55.9%
9.7%
Two
7.4%
3.3%
3 or 4
6.7%
4.0%
5 to 9
2.8%
5.8%
10 to 19
2.5%
6.9%
20 to 49
3.1%
8.3%
50 or more
11.2%
39.2%
Mobile homes
0.3%
0.2%
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
26,340
State government workers
16,901
3,509
Unpaid family workers
570
695
Industries and Occupations
Philadelphia is a hub for healthcare and education, with the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia being the top employers. Moreover, other sectors such as Bio-science, IT, and manufacturing contribute significantly to the economy. On the other hand, Miami is predominantly driven by tourism, finance, and commerce. Real-estate also substantially contributes to the local economy.
In terms of healthcare, Philadelphia is home to a number of renowned hospitals, including the University of Pennsylvania Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Miami boasts healthcare facilities like University of Miami Health System and the Miami VA Healthcare System.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Philadelphia
Miami
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Philadelphia showcases a blend of historical and modern infrastructure, including its renowned street layout and public park system. Miami, known for its high-rise buildings and modern structures, also has state-of-the-art infrastructure, exemplified by the Port of Miami, one of the busiest ports in the U.S.
Infrastructure
Type
Philadelphia
Miami
Hospitals
91
47
TV stations
24
26
Arenas or stadiums
7
3
Bank branches located here
329
346
Bank institutions located here
46
53
Main business address for public companies
47
29
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
9
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Philadelphia
Miami
1999
3,294
0
2000
3,202
1,368
2001
2,480
1,354
2002
2,012
1,274
2003
3,268
1,618
2004
4,525
2,862
2005
6,637
4,991
2006
7,517
7,400
2007
5,750
5,318
2008
2,745
3,212
2009
1,390
888
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich and diverse cultures. Philadelphia, famous for its arts scene and historical architecture, offers quintessential food items like Philly cheesesteaks. Miami, with its mix of Latin American cultures, offers unique culinary experiences like Cuban sandwiches and stone crabs. Both cities host numerous cultural and food festivals annually.
Sports Teams
Sports fans are spoilt for choice in both cities. Philadelphia is home to the Eagles (NFL), Phillies (MLB), 76ers (NBA), and Flyers (NHL). Miami hosts the Dolphins (NFL), Marlins (MLB), Heat (NBA), and Panthers (NHL). For soccer aficionados, Miami has the Inter Miami CF, while Philadelphia boasts the Union.
Philadelphia, PA
Miami, FL
