Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, and Atlanta, the Gateway to the South, are two vibrant cities with their own unique allure. Each city offers a unique blend of rich history, diverse culture, and economic prospects. The comparison between the two cities spans across multiple dimensions such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, and more. Both cities, while having their unique challenges, offer extensive opportunities for both residents looking to relocate and tourists.
Distance between
Philadelphia, PA and
Atlanta, GA : 668.3 miles
Philadelphia's population is larger by 218%. Its population has grown by 58,701 people (3.9%) since 2000. The population of Atlanta has grown by 79,987 people (19.2%) during that time.
Philadelphia has a relatively higher overall crime rate compared to Atlanta. It reports about 495.5 crimes per 10,000 residents compared to Atlanta's 385.7 according to Neighborhood Scout. Various types of crime such as property crime and violent crime are generally more common there. This said, crime rates vary by neighborhood in each city. Atlanta, while having a lower overall crime rate, still faces challenges such as higher rates of burglary and motor vehicle theft. It's important to consider the safety of different neighborhoods and be 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 2,776 registered sex offenders living in Philadelphia and 1,961 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Philadelphia is 565 to 1; the ratio in Atlanta is 241 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Philadelphia than in Atlanta.
Cost of Living
Living in Philadelphia tends to be less expensive than in Atlanta when accounting for housing, utilities, groceries, healthcare, and transportation. While the cost of living index for Atlanta stands at 107.5, Philadelphia's is at 101.5 (where the U.S. average is 100), according to the Council for Community and Economic Research.
Income Tax
The personal income tax rate in Philadelphia is relatively high at approximately 3.87% while in Georgia, the state income tax ranges from 1% to 6% based on income levels.
Property Tax
Property taxes also differ, with Philadelphia having a lower average property tax rate compared to Atlanta.
Sales Tax
Philadelphia has a higher city sales tax of 8% while Atlanta has a sales tax of 4% at the state level plus additional local sales taxes. Depending on income and spending, the difference in sales tax could significantly impact the cost of living.
Income
Type
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Estimated median household income
$52,899
$74,107
Estimated per capita income
$32,707
$55,051
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
105.4
104.3
If you make $50,000 in Atlanta, you will have to make $50,527 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Philadelphia, located near the Atlantic Ocean, features coastal plains, gentle rolling hills, and a navigable river system. Atlanta, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, has a more rolling terrain, lush greenery, and numerous parks and green spaces.
Philadelphia, home to institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, is known for its rich education sector. It has a diverse educational system with many top-ranked public and private schools. Atlanta also is no slouch in the education department with prestigious institutions like Emory University and Georgia Tech. The public school system in both cities, however, faces challenges with some schools performing below average in state-wide tests.
Both Philadelphia and Atlanta have robust economies with diverse industry sectors. Philadelphia's economy is driven primarily by sectors such as health care, education, and professional and business services. Atlanta, known as a thriving commerce hub, has strong sectors including logistics, professional and business services, media operations, and information technology.
Biggest Employers
Philadelphia's biggest employers include the Federal Government, the City of Philadelphia, and the University of Pennsylvania. In Atlanta, some of the largest employers include Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, and Emory University.
There were 1,553 building permits issued in Philadelphia in 2012 (1108 more than in 2011) compared to 855 building permits issued in Atlanta in 2012 (628 more than in 2011).
In Philadelphia (Philadelphia County), 85.2% voted for Democrats and 14.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Atlanta (Fulton County), 64.3% voted for Democrats and 34.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Atlanta
2020
81.2%
72.6%
17.9%
26.2%
0.9%
1.2%
2016
82.3%
67.8%
15.3%
26.9%
2.4%
5.3%
2012
85.2%
64.3%
14.0%
34.5%
0.8%
1.2%
2008
83.2%
67.2%
16.4%
32.2%
0.4%
0.6%
2004
80.6%
59.4%
19.4%
40.0%
0.0%
0.7%
2000
80.4%
57.9%
18.1%
39.9%
1.5%
2.2%
1996
77.4%
58.9%
16.0%
36.9%
6.6%
4.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Atlanta
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24.8%
9.9%
8.8%
2.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
3.8%
0.8%
6.7%
1.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.6%
1.4%
3.1%
1.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.2%
7.9%
9.9%
14.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
2.1%
3.8%
2.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.6%
3.1%
1.5%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.1%
1.4%
1.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
1.2%
1.7%
1.5%
Weather
In Philadelphia, you'll experience a wide range of weather conditions from hot summers to cold and snowy winters. It's relatively humid with clearly defined seasons. Atlanta’s climate, on the other hand, is subtropical with mild, wet winters and hot, humid summers. For people who prefer a milder winter, Atlanta may be the preferable choice.
Weather and climate
Type
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Temperature - Average
54.8°F
61.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
73.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
38%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
49%
Precipitation - Yearly average
45.7 in
51.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
45.1 in
4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.4%
18.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
59.8%
65.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
18%
17%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
63%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
50%
Wind speed - Average
10 mph
9 mph
Average climate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Average climate in Atlanta, Georgia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Atlanta
2018
99
84
0.37
0.27
10.7
N/A
24.3
24.7
N/A
N/A
17.2
17.5
9.2
10.6
0.9
0.8
2017
105
87
0.32
0.31
11.0
N/A
25.3
24.7
0.004
N/A
22.3
17.5
8.9
11.3
1.0
1.2
2016
99
105
0.30
0.31
13.6
N/A
25.1
25.9
0.007
N/A
23.2
17.2
9.5
11.1
1.4
1.0
2015
110
91
0.34
0.31
15.8
N/A
22.6
23.9
0.007
N/A
23.9
17.6
10.5
10.2
1.8
0.9
2014
105
88
0.34
0.31
16.8
N/A
23.1
24.0
0.027
N/A
23.0
18.4
11.7
9.1
2.2
1.1
2013
105
88
0.27
0.30
16.7
N/A
22.5
23.7
0.029
N/A
31.0
18.0
10.5
8.7
1.5
1.0
2012
111
109
0.29
0.33
17.8
N/A
23.0
26.2
0.040
N/A
14.6
19.5
11.7
9.8
1.5
1.1
2011
113
98
0.28
0.33
19.9
N/A
24.3
27.5
0.039
N/A
16.9
21.2
9.8
12.0
1.9
1.7
2010
116
102
0.30
0.35
20.1
N/A
23.0
25.8
0.009
N/A
21.7
18.5
12.2
12.5
2.6
1.9
2009
95
96
0.32
N/A
18.9
N/A
19.7
25.2
0.011
N/A
18.0
18.5
11.9
13.8
2.9
1.7
2008
112
99
0.30
0.53
19.8
15.3
19.1
31.2
0.010
0.003
16.8
22.5
13.9
16.3
3.8
2.5
2007
128
124
0.42
0.45
21.6
17.0
23.3
33.1
0.019
0.003
17.5
29.4
12.3
18.1
4.2
2.7
2006
112
129
0.52
0.58
21.4
17.9
22.5
31.3
0.016
0.003
18.3
22.9
13.1
19.7
4.2
3.4
2005
108
123
0.58
0.55
24.4
17.2
20.8
29.0
0.018
0.005
19.7
25.5
N/A
15.8
5.0
3.2
2004
102
118
0.58
0.54
24.1
16.9
18.9
28.8
0.023
0.004
19.1
22.9
N/A
14.6
5.2
2.8
2003
103
112
0.62
0.56
23.8
16.4
19.7
26.7
0.034
0.004
19.6
22.2
N/A
15.4
5.4
3.0
2002
128
120
0.56
0.60
26.8
19.4
21.2
27.9
0.035
N/A
18.3
23.2
N/A
13.1
4.9
3.0
2001
119
117
0.63
0.69
27.9
23.3
20.0
27.2
0.014
N/A
20.6
27.0
N/A
N/A
5.6
3.1
2000
111
132
0.68
0.50
26.7
22.9
19.0
31.2
0.034
N/A
N/A
28.4
N/A
N/A
5.5
3.2
Natural disasters
Type
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
96.6%
159.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
34.4%
153.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
22%
15%
Transportation
Philadelphia's SEPTA provides an extensive network of subway, bus, and trolley services. In Atlanta, MARTA offers rail and bus services. However, Atlanta is generally a more car-dependent city. Philadelphia, being more walkable, offers more options for those preferring public transit or cycling.
Transport
Type
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Amtrak stations
2
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
347
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
28
Means of transportation to work
Type
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Bicycle
2%
0.5%
Bus
11.7%
2.1%
Carpooled
8.7%
7.6%
Car alone
60%
84%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0.7%
0.2%
Streetcar
4.2%
1.1%
Subway
2.8%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.3%
Walked
7.8%
1.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Average
34.3 min
34.9 min
Other means
28.2 min
24.4 min
Public transportation
45.6 min
47.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.4%
92.5%
In 2 person carpool
10.2%
6.7%
In 3 person carpool
2%
0.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The median home value in Philadelphia is lower than Atlanta. However, real estate prices vary significantly within each city. Hot housing markets like Midtown Atlanta and Center City Philadelphia command premium prices, while there are also affordable neighborhoods in each city.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a variety of neighborhoods catering to different tastes. Philadelphia has many historic districts like Old City and Society Hill that are rich in character while Atlanta offers neighborhoods like Midtown with a robust arts scene and Buckhead, known for its upscale stores and high-rise apartments.
Houses and residents
Type
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Houses
733,015
253,355
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.1
Median year apartment built
1953
1996
Median year house/condo built
1947
1976
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16 years
12.2 years
Houses occupied
660,921 (90.2%)
232,720 (91.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
348,935 (52.8%)
113,092 (48.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
311,986 (47.2%)
119,628 (51.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,301
$1,226
Median monthly housing costs
$1,096
$1,504
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,453
$325,147
Estimated median house or condo value
$220,700
$375,500
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
4.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
3.5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$292,974
$585,854
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$357,727
$359,451
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$264,854
$453,504
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$442,314
$356,868
Median house price - mobile homes
$163,609
$149,278
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$239,791
$383,334
Median house price - All housing units
$256,324
$508,525
Median house age
73
34
Renting percentage
45.9%
55.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,426.1
1,923
House value disparities
38.4%
36.3%
Household income disparities
49.5%
47.8%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,108
$123,344
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$44,075
$75,939
Housing units without a mortgage
8,484 (4%)
1,022 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
18,029 (8.5%)
5,566 (7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
202,880 (96%)
78,250 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,280 (0.6%)
58 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
22,966 (10.9%)
7,203 (9.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
15
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.7%
2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
3.3%
1.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Philadelphia
Atlanta
One, detached
9.9%
37.5%
One, attached
55.9%
6.6%
Two
7.4%
2.4%
3 or 4
6.7%
3.9%
5 to 9
2.8%
5.9%
10 to 19
2.5%
5.7%
20 to 49
3.1%
6.8%
50 or more
11.2%
30.7%
Mobile homes
0.3%
0.5%
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
15,892
State government workers
16,901
13,288
Unpaid family workers
570
550
Industries and Occupations
In Philadelphia, health care and social assistance are the largest industries, followed by educational services and retail trade. Atlanta has a diverse range of industries with top ones being professional, scientific, and technical services, healthcare, and retail trade. IT is also a burgeoning field in Atlanta, often referred to as the "Silicon Peach".
Both Philadelphia and Atlanta have top-notch healthcare facilities. Philadelphia is home to prestigious institutions like the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Atlanta is home to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and has renowned hospitals, including Emory University Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Philadelphia
Atlanta
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Philadelphia, as one of the oldest cities in the country, faces certain infrastructure challenges relating to its aging roads, bridges, and buildings. In contrast, Atlanta, known for its comprehensive highway system, offers more modern infrastructure. That said, both cities have had to deal with infrastructure overhauls to keep pace with their growing populations.
Infrastructure
Type
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Hospitals
91
46
TV stations
24
22
Arenas or stadiums
7
6
Bank branches located here
329
235
Bank institutions located here
46
41
Main business address for public companies
47
85
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Philadelphia
Atlanta
1999
3,294
1,775
2000
3,202
1,902
2001
2,480
1,552
2002
2,012
1,683
2003
3,268
3,212
2004
4,525
4,962
2005
6,637
9,078
2006
7,517
10,866
2007
5,750
6,626
2008
2,745
2,140
2009
1,390
731
Culture and Food
Both cities boast of rich food scenes and diverse cultural districts. Philadelphia known for its cheesesteaks and soft pretzels has a diverse culinary scene with Italian and Asian influences. Atlanta, on the other hand, offers southern specialties like fried chicken, cornbread, and peach cobbler.
Sports Teams
Both cities have dedicated sports fans. Philadelphia is home to the Eagles (NFL), Phillies (MLB), Flyers (NHL), and 76ers (NBA). Atlanta hosts the Falcons (NFL), Braves (MLB), Hawks (NBA), and United (MLS).
Philadelphia, PA
Atlanta, GA
Philadelphia, PA and 
Atlanta, GA : 668.3 miles
