Comparing Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Central Contra Costa, California might be a difficult task due to their distinct attributes. These two regions vastly diverge in aspects of climate, cost of living, economy, culture, and various other factors. Relocatees and tourists alike would enjoy unique experiences in either place, influenced by their preferences and priorities. This comparison article offers intricate details about both localities, providing a comprehensive overview for potential movers and travelers.
Safety statistics portray Philadelphia as having a higher crime rate compared to Central Contra Costa. While the crime rates in both are above average for the nation, Philadelphia's crime index is significantly higher. Therefore, those seeking a safer environment might favor Central Contra Costa. Both regions have put considerable emphasis on community policing, initiatives aimed at enhancing safety.
Cost of Living
Philadelphia, with its relatively lower cost of living, overshadows the high cost of living in Central Contra Costa. This includes housing, transportation, groceries, health care, and miscellaneous expenses like dining out or entertainment. However, the comparatively higher wages in Central Contra Costa often counterbalance the high cost of living.
Income Tax
Pennsylvania's state income tax rate is noticeably lower than California's. Philadelphia residents also bear an additional city wage tax, which can be significant. This might impact high-income earners considering relocating between these two regions.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Philadelphia are generally lower compared to Central Contra Costa which, like many places in California, are influenced by Proposition 13-keeping the rates lower for longer homeowners but potentially higher for newer agreeably due to bigger property values.
Sales Tax
The city/state sales tax is higher in Central Contra Costa (8.25%) than in Philadelphia (6%), making everyday purchases slightly more expensive in California.
Income
Type
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Estimated median household income
$52,899
$127,452
Estimated per capita income
$32,707
$68,702
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
105.4
139.1
If you make $50,000 in Philadelphia, you will have to make $65,987 in Central Contra Costa to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Philadelphia is a flat area, characterized by the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, while Central Contra Costa provides more varied topography with attractive hills, valleys, and easy access to the coastline. For nature lovers, both places have plenty of parks and outdoor activities, but Central Contra Costa definitely has the edge due to its California location.
Geographical information
Type
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Land area
135.1 sq. miles
261.3 sq. miles
Population density
11,668 people per sq. mile
1,863.4 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Philadelphia, PA Central Contra Costa, CA
Education
In terms of education, Central Contra Costa school district consistently ranks higher with countless highly-esteemed schools. Philadelphia, while having numerous good schools, doesn’t perform as well overall in comparison with Central Contra Costa.
Philadelphia has a diverse and robust economy with strong sectors in education, healthcare, and technology. Central Contra Costa, being part of the prosperous Bay Area, has a strong economy primarily driven by professional services, healthcare, and technologies. Unemployment rates in both areas are not significantly different. However, the average salary in Central Contra Costa is generally higher.
Biggest Employers
Philadelphia's biggest employers are the University of Pennsylvania, the City of Philadelphia, and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Central Contra Costa's principal employers are John Muir Health, Chevron Corporation, and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, showcasing the technological, healthcare, and educational influence in both areas.
In Philadelphia (Philadelphia County), 85.2% voted for Democrats and 14.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Central Contra Costa (Contra Costa County), 66.2% voted for Democrats and 31.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
2020
81.2%
71.8%
17.9%
26.4%
0.9%
1.8%
2016
82.3%
67.5%
15.3%
24.5%
2.4%
8.0%
2012
85.2%
66.2%
14.0%
31.1%
0.8%
2.7%
2008
83.2%
68.0%
16.4%
30.2%
0.4%
1.8%
2004
80.6%
62.6%
19.4%
36.7%
0.0%
0.7%
2000
80.4%
59.0%
18.1%
37.2%
1.5%
3.8%
1996
77.4%
55.7%
16.0%
35.2%
6.6%
9.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24.8%
21.8%
8.8%
5.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
3.8%
0.3%
6.7%
2.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.6%
1.0%
3.1%
1.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.2%
1.3%
9.9%
10.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.5%
3.8%
2.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.5%
3.1%
2.0%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.1%
1.4%
0.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.7%
1.5%
Weather
The weather in these two areas is vastly different. Philadelphia has a continental type of climate with cold winters and hot, humid summers. On the other hand, Central Contra Costa enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The pleasant climate in Central Contra Costa might be attractive to some individuals who prefer milder weather conditions.
Weather and climate
Type
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Temperature - Average
54.8°F
59.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
82.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
29.3%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
88.1%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
58.8%
Precipitation - Yearly average
45.7 in
21.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
45.1 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.4%
27.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
59.8%
73.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
18%
22.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
63%
77.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
54.7%
Wind speed - Average
10 mph
11.1 mph
Average climate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Average climate in Central Contra Costa, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
2018
99
105
0.37
0.32
10.7
6.9
24.3
22.1
N/A
0.012
17.2
N/A
9.2
13.3
0.9
0.6
2017
105
102
0.32
0.30
11.0
7.0
25.3
25.9
0.004
0.008
22.3
N/A
8.9
11.9
1.0
0.7
2016
99
86
0.30
0.28
13.6
6.5
25.1
25.2
0.007
0.005
23.2
N/A
9.5
6.5
1.4
0.8
2015
110
94
0.34
0.34
15.8
7.6
22.6
25.8
0.007
0.004
23.9
N/A
10.5
8.8
1.8
0.5
2014
105
95
0.34
0.35
16.8
7.8
23.1
25.2
0.027
0.005
23.0
N/A
11.7
6.9
2.2
0.5
2013
105
93
0.27
0.34
16.7
9.3
22.5
21.5
0.029
0.004
31.0
N/A
10.5
7.8
1.5
0.5
2012
111
93
0.29
0.32
17.8
8.5
23.0
25.2
0.040
0.003
14.6
N/A
11.7
8.3
1.5
0.3
2011
113
99
0.28
0.35
19.9
9.0
24.3
23.0
0.039
0.003
16.9
N/A
9.8
9.8
1.9
0.6
2010
116
93
0.30
0.31
20.1
8.6
23.0
23.2
0.009
0.014
21.7
N/A
12.2
8.5
2.6
0.5
2009
95
104
0.32
0.31
18.9
9.5
19.7
23.7
0.011
0.006
18.0
N/A
11.9
10.3
2.9
0.6
2008
112
120
0.30
0.36
19.8
10.2
19.1
26.1
0.010
0.006
16.8
N/A
13.9
12.1
3.8
0.8
2007
128
104
0.42
0.36
21.6
10.7
23.3
24.1
0.019
0.006
17.5
N/A
12.3
9.7
4.2
0.7
2006
112
109
0.52
0.39
21.4
10.9
22.5
26.0
0.016
N/A
18.3
N/A
13.1
11.1
4.2
0.8
2005
108
104
0.58
0.43
24.4
11.6
20.8
22.7
0.018
N/A
19.7
N/A
N/A
10.4
5.0
1.0
2004
102
112
0.58
0.46
24.1
12.4
18.9
22.6
0.023
0.004
19.1
N/A
N/A
11.9
5.2
1.1
2003
103
84
0.62
0.51
23.8
13.4
19.7
23.1
0.034
N/A
19.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.4
0.7
2002
128
88
0.56
0.51
26.8
14.7
21.2
23.3
0.035
0.008
18.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.9
0.9
2001
119
90
0.63
0.56
27.9
15.4
20.0
22.1
0.014
0.008
20.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.6
1.2
2000
111
95
0.68
0.67
26.7
15.9
19.0
20.8
0.034
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.5
1.6
Natural disasters
Type
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
96.6%
9.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
34.4%
7,786.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
22%
18%
Transportation
Both areas have robust public transportation systems, but regular commutes tend to take longer in Philadelphia. Central Contra Costa benefits from the Bay Area's extensive BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system, connecting residents to main areas, including San Francisco.
Transport
Type
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Amtrak stations
2
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
347
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Bicycle
2%
0.5%
Bus
11.7%
1%
Carpooled
8.7%
9.9%
Car alone
60%
72.3%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0.7%
0.8%
Streetcar
4.2%
0.1%
Subway
2.8%
7.7%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
7.8%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Average
34.3 min
31.8 min
Real Estate
The real estate market in Central Contra Costa is known for its high prices, driven by demand and location. In contrast, Philadelphia's real estate market is much more affordable, making it an attractive option for potential homeowners on a budget.
Neighborhoods
Philadelphia is known for its vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique charm, from the historic Old City to the eclectic Fishtown. Central Contra Costa has its appeal in luxurious and scenic suburban neighborhoods, such as Walnut Creek, Moraga, and Orinda.
Houses and residents
Type
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
Houses
733,015
183,777
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.5
Houses occupied
660,921 (90.2%)
179,136 (97.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
348,935 (52.8%)
127,889 (71.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
311,986 (47.2%)
51,247 (28.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,301
$2,527
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,453
$1,269,474
Estimated median house or condo value
$220,700
Over $1,000,000
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.5
Renting percentage
45.9%
30.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,426.1
703.4
Household income disparities
49.5%
35.9%
Housing units without a mortgage
8,484 (4%)
20,208 (18.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
18,029 (8.5%)
418 (0.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
202,880 (96%)
90,899 (81.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,280 (0.6%)
13,612 (12.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
22,966 (10.9%)
13,614 (12.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.7%
0.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
29,270
22,217
State government workers
16,901
6,705
Unpaid family workers
570
617
Industries and Occupations
Philadelphia's key industries include healthcare, education, and finance, reflecting the city's strong ties to knowledge-based sectors. Central Contra Costa, due to its location in the Bay Area, is heavily influenced by the technology industry, with significant employment in healthcare and professional services too.
Both Philadelphia and Central Contra Costa are well-known for their top-notch healthcare facilities. Philadelphia houses world-renowned medical institutions, while Central Contra Costa, similarly, offers excellent healthcare resources with notable hospitals like John Muir Health.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both regions have mature infrastructures with Philadelphia boasting historical significance and Central Contra Costa focusing more on modern suburban development. Maintenance and improvement continue to be focal points in both areas, albeit more innovatively in Central Contra Costa due to Silicon Valley's influence.
Infrastructure
Type
Philadelphia
Central Contra Costa
TV stations
24
24
Culture and Food
Philadelphia is globally renowned for its diverse and rich culture, with food that matches. Classics like Philly cheesesteak and soft pretzels stapled the city's reputation. Central Contra Costa offers an array of gourmet dining experiences and an abundance of fresh, local produce indicative of California cuisine. The cultural experience in both regions is heavily influenced by their demographic diversity.
Sports Teams
Sports fans have much to enjoy in both regions. Philadelphia is home to famous sports teams like the Eagles (NFL), Phillies (MLB), 76ers (NBA), and Flyers (NHL). Central Contra Costa residents enjoy easy access to Bay Area sports teams, including the San Francisco Giants (MLB), Golden State Warriors (NBA), and the 49ers (NFL).
Philadelphia, PA
Central Contra Costa, CA
Philadelphia, PA and 
Central Contra Costa, CA : 2,494.6 miles
