Philadelphia and Aurora are both diverse American cities with rich culture and history, attracting residents and tourists alike. While the Brotherly Love city is known for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, professional sports teams, and unique foods, Aurora is recognized for its magnificent landscapes, outdoor recreational activities, and high-performing economy.
Distance between
Philadelphia, PA and
Aurora, CO : 1,566.3 miles
Philadelphia's population is larger by 305%. Its population has grown by 58,701 people (3.9%) since 2000. The population of Aurora has grown by 112,954 people (40.9%) during that time.
In terms of crime and safety, Philadelphia has a higher crime rate compared to Aurora. Despite having numerous police departments, the city has struggled with crime rates that remain above the national average. Aurora, on the other hand, is considered safer than most US cities, it continuously expands its public safety programs, particularly ensuring a safe community with a focus on preventative crime measures.
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 1,048 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Philadelphia is 565 to 1; the ratio in Aurora is 346 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Philadelphia than in Aurora.
Cost of Living
Philadelphia has a slightly lower cost of living compared to Aurora. Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference. Moreover, day-to-day expenses such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare are also lower in Philadelphia. However, the higher wages in Aurora can offset some of these costs.
Income Tax
While both states impose an income tax, Colorado's is a flat rate of 4.55% for all earners. Pennsylvania, on the other hand, has a flat state income tax of 3.07% but Philadelphia imposes an additional city wage tax on residents and non-residents who work in the city.
Property Tax
Philadelphia's effective property tax rate is 0.99% which is lower than the national average, while Aurora's effective property tax rate is about 0.59%, significantly below the national average.
Sales Tax
Philadelphia's combined city and state sales tax is 8%, while Aurora's total sales tax comes to 8.5%, including both city and state taxes. Both higher than the national average but similar to other major metropolitan areas.
Income
Type
Philadelphia
Aurora
Estimated median household income
$52,899
$71,647
Estimated per capita income
$32,707
$35,054
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
105.4
109.4
If you make $50,000 in Philadelphia, you will have to make $51,898 in Aurora to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Philadelphia is located along the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, providing plenty of water-based recreational activities. Aurora, located near the Rocky Mountains, provides numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Both cities excel in education. Philadelphia is home to some of the top universities in the nation such as the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. Aurora, while not having as many higher education institutions, boasts excellent public and private K-12 schools and is in close proximity to educational facilities in Denver.
Philadelphia's economy is driven by sectors like health care, education, and financial services. Aurora's economy is varied, with significant sectors including aerospace and defense, biotechnology and health care, and distribution and logistics. Both cities have robust job markets and room for economic growth.
Biggest Employers
Philadelphia's biggest employers are government entities, health care providers, and universities such as the University of Pennsylvania Health System and the City of Philadelphia. In Aurora, the largest employers include the University of Colorado Hospital, Children's Hospital Colorado, and the military.
In Philadelphia (Philadelphia County), 85.2% voted for Democrats and 14.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Aurora (Adams County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 40.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Philadelphia
Aurora
Philadelphia
Aurora
Philadelphia
Aurora
2020
81.2%
57.1%
17.9%
40.7%
0.9%
2.2%
2016
82.3%
50.1%
15.3%
41.6%
2.4%
8.3%
2012
85.2%
57.3%
14.0%
40.4%
0.8%
2.3%
2008
83.2%
58.5%
16.4%
40.1%
0.4%
1.4%
2004
80.6%
50.7%
19.4%
48.4%
0.0%
0.9%
2000
80.4%
50.3%
18.1%
44.2%
1.5%
5.5%
1996
77.4%
51.3%
16.0%
38.9%
6.6%
9.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Philadelphia
Aurora
Philadelphia
Aurora
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24.8%
16.0%
8.8%
4.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
3.8%
0.0%
6.7%
0.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.6%
0.1%
3.1%
0.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.2%
0.7%
9.9%
7.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.1%
3.8%
1.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.4%
3.1%
2.5%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.0%
1.4%
0.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.7%
3.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.0%
0.7%
0.5%
3.3%
Weather
Weather in Philadelphia is characterized by four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Snowfall is moderate but varies year to year. Conversely, Aurora has a semi-dry, continental climate, experiencing more sunshine throughout the year compared to Philadelphia. Its winters can be colder with more accumulated snowfall, but summers are often warm and dry.
Weather and climate
Type
Philadelphia
Aurora
Temperature - Average
54.8°F
49.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
45.7 in
16.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
45.1 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.4%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
59.8%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
18%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
63%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
64%
Wind speed - Average
10 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Average climate in Aurora, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Philadelphia
Aurora
Philadelphia
Aurora
Philadelphia
Aurora
Philadelphia
Aurora
Philadelphia
Aurora
Philadelphia
Aurora
Philadelphia
Aurora
Philadelphia
Aurora
2018
99
99
0.37
0.37
10.7
21.5
24.3
31.3
N/A
N/A
17.2
29.2
9.2
8.5
0.9
0.7
2017
105
95
0.32
0.37
11.0
21.9
25.3
31.1
0.004
N/A
22.3
22.0
8.9
8.5
1.0
0.9
2016
99
90
0.30
0.42
13.6
24.0
25.1
30.7
0.007
N/A
23.2
22.6
9.5
8.1
1.4
1.0
2015
110
101
0.34
0.44
15.8
22.8
22.6
29.5
0.007
N/A
23.9
20.6
10.5
9.5
1.8
1.1
2014
105
94
0.34
0.42
16.8
21.8
23.1
29.6
0.027
N/A
23.0
22.5
11.7
10.1
2.2
1.3
2013
105
84
0.27
0.39
16.7
19.6
22.5
29.9
0.029
N/A
31.0
21.9
10.5
N/A
1.5
1.4
2012
111
90
0.29
0.35
17.8
18.9
23.0
30.8
0.040
N/A
14.6
24.2
11.7
N/A
1.5
1.2
2011
113
91
0.28
0.34
19.9
18.1
24.3
30.9
0.039
N/A
16.9
23.8
9.8
N/A
1.9
1.5
2010
116
81
0.30
0.41
20.1
16.3
23.0
28.8
0.009
N/A
21.7
26.6
12.2
N/A
2.6
1.0
2009
95
79
0.32
0.37
18.9
14.1
19.7
27.1
0.011
0.005
18.0
22.6
11.9
N/A
2.9
1.3
2008
112
85
0.30
0.41
19.8
17.3
19.1
28.8
0.010
0.008
16.8
25.5
13.9
N/A
3.8
1.6
2007
128
96
0.42
0.42
21.6
20.6
23.3
25.4
0.019
0.007
17.5
28.8
12.3
N/A
4.2
1.2
2006
112
89
0.52
0.50
21.4
19.0
22.5
25.0
0.016
0.027
18.3
28.0
13.1
N/A
4.2
1.4
2005
108
86
0.58
0.57
24.4
21.3
20.8
22.5
0.018
0.109
19.7
29.6
N/A
N/A
5.0
1.5
2004
102
82
0.58
0.61
24.1
21.2
18.9
21.4
0.023
0.037
19.1
28.6
N/A
N/A
5.2
1.8
2003
103
106
0.62
0.62
23.8
21.2
19.7
23.1
0.034
0.040
19.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
5.4
1.9
2002
128
86
0.56
0.64
26.8
19.2
21.2
22.8
0.035
0.028
18.3
35.7
N/A
N/A
4.9
2.5
2001
119
95
0.63
0.79
27.9
24.0
20.0
20.4
0.014
0.030
20.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
5.6
2.6
2000
111
93
0.68
0.77
26.7
13.8
19.0
21.4
0.034
0.033
N/A
12.2
N/A
N/A
5.5
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Philadelphia
Aurora
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
96.6%
138.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
34.4%
796.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
22%
11%
Transportation
Philadelphia has a comprehensive public transportation system run by Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). Aurora also offers public transportation through the Regional Transportation District, with buses and a light rail system. However, Aurora has a higher reliance on cars due to its more sprawling layout.
Transport
Type
Philadelphia
Aurora
Amtrak stations
2
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
347
138
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
19
Means of transportation to work
Type
Philadelphia
Aurora
Bicycle
2%
0.6%
Bus
11.7%
1.7%
Carpooled
8.7%
9.3%
Car alone
60%
84.4%
Railroad
0.7%
0.1%
Streetcar
4.2%
0%
Subway
2.8%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.2%
0%
Walked
7.8%
2.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Philadelphia
Aurora
Average
34.3 min
28.3 min
Other means
28.2 min
26.9 min
Public transportation
45.6 min
50.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Philadelphia
Aurora
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
85.1%
In 2 person carpool
10.2%
10%
In 3 person carpool
2%
2.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
1.5%
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
Philadelphia's real estate market is quite affordable, especially compared to other major cities on the east coast. On the other hand, Aurora's property market can be more competitive with a median house price higher than the national average, primarily driven by the city's substantial growth and proximity to Denver.
Neighborhoods
Philadelphia offers an array of historic and vibrant neighborhoods like Old City, known for Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while Fairmount is known for the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Aurora, on the other hand, is renowned for its picturesque neighborhoods like Cherry Creek State Park area and the quaint, historic downtown district.
Houses and residents
Type
Philadelphia
Aurora
Houses
733,015
149,636
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.7
Median year apartment built
1953
1986
Median year house/condo built
1947
1984
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16 years
10.4 years
Houses occupied
660,921 (90.2%)
140,003 (93.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
348,935 (52.8%)
89,615 (64%)
Houses occupied by renters
311,986 (47.2%)
50,388 (36%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,301
$2,036
Median monthly housing costs
$1,096
$1,526
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,453
$725,445
Estimated median house or condo value
$220,700
$411,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$292,974
$500,029
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$357,727
$384,060
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$264,854
$254,381
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$442,314
$231,026
Median house price - mobile homes
$163,609
$130,226
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$93,218
$160,380
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$239,791
$471,483
Median house price - All housing units
$256,324
$476,379
Median house age
73
36
Renting percentage
45.9%
40.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,426.1
1,050.1
House value disparities
38.4%
23.6%
Household income disparities
49.5%
41.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,108
$99,433
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$44,075
$63,316
Housing units without a mortgage
8,484 (4%)
424 (0.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
18,029 (8.5%)
5,246 (7.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
202,880 (96%)
66,791 (99.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,280 (0.6%)
176 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
22,966 (10.9%)
6,860 (10.2%)
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%
1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
3.3%
0.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Philadelphia
Aurora
One, detached
9.9%
52.6%
One, attached
55.9%
11.9%
Two
7.4%
0.2%
3 or 4
6.7%
4.2%
5 to 9
2.8%
7.1%
10 to 19
2.5%
11.0%
20 to 49
3.1%
5.5%
50 or more
11.2%
5.7%
Mobile homes
0.3%
1.7%
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
13,677
State government workers
16,901
5,134
Unpaid family workers
570
0
Industries and Occupations
The leading industries in Philadelphia are health care, education, and finance, while in Aurora, the biggest industries include health care, aerospace and defense, and distribution and logistics. The most common occupations in Philadelphia revolve around office and administrative support, while in Aurora, management, business, science, and arts occupations are prevalent.
Both cities have access to excellent healthcare. Philadelphia is known for its high-quality hospitals including those part of the University of Pennsylvania system. Aurora is home to the high-ranking University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Philadelphia
Aurora
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Philadelphia’s infrastructure is developing but there are challenges due to its age. Many roads, bridges, and buildings show their historic past and could use renovation. Meanwhile, Aurora's infrastructure is newer and seen as more maintained, with continuous efforts to improve transportation and utilities systems.
Infrastructure
Type
Philadelphia
Aurora
Hospitals
91
4
TV stations
24
15
Bank branches located here
329
77
Bank institutions located here
46
19
Main business address for public companies
47
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Philadelphia
Aurora
1999
3,294
1,737
2000
3,202
1,460
2001
2,480
1,056
2002
2,012
635
2003
3,268
1,276
2004
4,525
2,052
2005
6,637
3,087
2006
7,517
2,880
2007
5,750
1,693
2008
2,745
782
2009
1,390
302
Culture and Food
Philadelphia is renowned for its rich culture and distinctive food offerings like the famous cheesesteak. The city hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Conversely, Aurora offers a more outdoorsy culture with a variety of dining options from around the world due to its diverse population.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will find both cities appealing. Philadelphia is home to professional teams like the Eagles (NFL), Phillies (MLB), 76ers (NBA), and Flyers (NHL). Aurora lacks its own professional sports teams but is a short drive from Denver, home to the Broncos (NFL), Rockies (MLB), Nuggets (NBA), and Avalanche (NHL).
Philadelphia, PA
Aurora, CO
Philadelphia, PA and 
Aurora, CO : 1,566.3 miles
