Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Oakland, California, are two dynamic American cities with unique characteristics. Both cities have a rich cultural scene and diverse population but differ in many other aspects, such as crime rates, cost of living, weather conditions, and economy. From a broad perspective, one might prefer a more affordable cost of living in Philadelphia, while another might appreciate the warmer weather in Oakland. With careful examination, one can have a comprehensive comparison between the two cities based on several factors.
Distance between
Philadelphia, PA and
Oakland, CA : 2,506.7 miles
Philadelphia's population is larger by 263%. Its population has grown by 58,701 people (3.9%) since 2000. The population of Oakland has grown by 34,339 people (8.6%) during that time.
In terms of safety, both Philadelphia and Oakland have higher crime rates compared to the national average. However, statistics indicate that Oakland has generally higher violent crime rates compared to Philadelphia. It's essential for visitors and potential residents to research and consider these crime rates, including neighborhood-specific data, before deciding to relocate or visit.
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 916 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Philadelphia is 565 to 1; the ratio in Oakland is 459 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Philadelphia is near to than in Oakland.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Oakland is generally higher than Philadelphia, reflecting California's economic circumstances. Housing costs are particularly noticeable, with median home prices in Oakland substantially higher than Philadelphia. However, the median household income in Oakland is also higher relative to Philadelphia, somewhat offsetting the higher cost of living.
Income Tax
Residents in Philadelphia pay both state and city income taxes. California imposes a progressive state income tax system. Though California's top marginal tax rate is higher than Pennsylvania's, those in lower income brackets may have a smaller tax load in Oakland.
Property Tax
Property taxes are also an important consideration. Philadelphia has lower property taxes compared to Oakland. However, the overall tax burden when considering income, sales, and property tax may be more substantial in Philadelphia despite the lower property tax.
Sales Tax
Philadelphia imposes a higher sales tax rate than Oakland due to Pennsylvania's 6% sales tax plus a local surtax. California's sales tax is slightly lower than Pennsylvania's, with an addition of a local tax in Oakland which increases the total rate, but still remains lower than Philadelphia's.
Income
Type
Philadelphia
Oakland
Estimated median household income
$52,899
$82,236
Estimated per capita income
$32,707
$49,966
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
105.4
126.7
If you make $50,000 in Philadelphia, you will have to make $60,104 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Oakland boasts a seaside location with a mix of urban, suburban, and semi-rural areas, including hillside neighborhoods with spectacular views of San Francisco Bay. Philadelphia, lying between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, is characterized by a mix of urban, suburban, and rural-like areas, with flat terrains and rolling hills.
The School District of Philadelphia is one of the largest in the country and provides a wide range of academic programs. Oakland Unified School District, smaller than Philadelphia's, still offers a range of programs including renowned magnet schools. Higher education is robust in both cities, with Philadelphia being home to the prestigious University of Pennsylvania and Oakland boasting proximity to UC Berkeley.
Each city has its strengths depending on the industry. Philadelphia's economy is grounded in sectors like healthcare and education with a burgeoning tech scene. Oakland, on the other hand, has a strong presence in the tech industry, riding on the wave of Silicon Valley and advantages in transportation and international trade due to its seaport.
Biggest Employers
The largest employer in Philadelphia is the federal and city government. It is closely followed by the University of Pennsylvania. In Oakland, the largest employer is Kaiser Permanente, a large health care company, followed by the local government.
There were 1,553 building permits issued in Philadelphia in 2012 (1108 more than in 2011) compared to 114 building permits issued in Oakland in 2012 (73 more than in 2011).
In Philadelphia (Philadelphia County), 85.2% voted for Democrats and 14.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Oakland (Alameda County), 78.9% voted for Democrats and 18.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Philadelphia
Oakland
Philadelphia
Oakland
Philadelphia
Oakland
2020
81.2%
79.8%
17.9%
17.6%
0.9%
2.6%
2016
82.3%
78.2%
15.3%
14.6%
2.4%
7.2%
2012
85.2%
78.9%
14.0%
18.2%
0.8%
3.0%
2008
83.2%
78.8%
16.4%
19.3%
0.4%
2.0%
2004
80.6%
75.5%
19.4%
23.4%
0.0%
1.1%
2000
80.4%
69.6%
18.1%
24.2%
1.5%
6.2%
1996
77.4%
65.8%
16.0%
23.1%
6.6%
11.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Philadelphia
Oakland
Philadelphia
Oakland
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24.8%
15.3%
8.8%
4.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
3.8%
0.5%
6.7%
2.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.6%
2.0%
3.1%
2.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.2%
1.5%
9.9%
10.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.3%
3.8%
1.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.3%
3.1%
2.3%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.0%
1.4%
0.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.7%
1.4%
Weather
Weather-wise, Oakland has a Mediterranean climate with mild, damp winters and dry summers, offering comfortable weather year-round. Philadelphia, on the other hand, experiences large seasonal changes with hot summers and potentially snow-filled winters. Those who prefer a more constant, mild climate would find Oakland more suitable, while those who enjoy seasonal changes might prefer Philadelphia.
Weather and climate
Type
Philadelphia
Oakland
Temperature - Average
54.8°F
59.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
84.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
29%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
90.9%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
61.9%
Precipitation - Yearly average
45.7 in
23.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
45.1 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.4%
26.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
59.8%
73%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
18%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
63%
77%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
55%
Wind speed - Average
10 mph
11.4 mph
Average climate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Average climate in Oakland, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Philadelphia
Oakland
Philadelphia
Oakland
Philadelphia
Oakland
Philadelphia
Oakland
Philadelphia
Oakland
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Oakland
Philadelphia
Oakland
2018
99
105
0.37
0.46
10.7
13.0
24.3
20.9
N/A
0.012
17.2
N/A
9.2
13.7
0.9
0.4
2017
105
100
0.32
0.48
11.0
13.5
25.3
21.2
0.004
0.008
22.3
N/A
8.9
11.3
1.0
0.5
2016
99
80
0.30
0.41
13.6
12.9
25.1
20.3
0.007
0.005
23.2
N/A
9.5
7.9
1.4
0.9
2015
110
93
0.34
0.43
15.8
14.5
22.6
20.6
0.007
0.004
23.9
N/A
10.5
9.5
1.8
0.8
2014
105
90
0.34
0.42
16.8
14.7
23.1
20.6
0.027
0.005
23.0
N/A
11.7
9.1
2.2
0.5
2013
105
89
0.27
0.39
16.7
15.2
22.5
18.0
0.029
0.004
31.0
N/A
10.5
11.6
1.5
0.5
2012
111
87
0.29
0.38
17.8
13.7
23.0
18.7
0.040
0.003
14.6
N/A
11.7
8.5
1.5
0.7
2011
113
94
0.28
0.32
19.9
14.4
24.3
18.5
0.039
0.003
16.9
N/A
9.8
10.1
1.9
1.1
2010
116
90
0.30
0.21
20.1
14.4
23.0
19.4
0.009
0.013
21.7
N/A
12.2
8.4
2.6
1.0
2009
95
99
0.32
0.22
18.9
15.2
19.7
19.0
0.011
0.006
18.0
N/A
11.9
11.3
2.9
1.3
2008
112
110
0.30
0.29
19.8
15.1
19.1
20.1
0.010
0.006
16.8
N/A
13.9
12.4
3.8
1.0
2007
128
100
0.42
0.41
21.6
13.4
23.3
21.3
0.019
0.006
17.5
N/A
12.3
9.5
4.2
1.1
2006
112
106
0.52
0.47
21.4
13.8
22.5
22.6
0.016
N/A
18.3
N/A
13.1
9.4
4.2
1.3
2005
108
97
0.58
0.56
24.4
13.3
20.8
15.3
0.018
N/A
19.7
N/A
N/A
9.6
5.0
1.4
2004
102
107
0.58
0.51
24.1
14.3
18.9
15.3
0.023
0.004
19.1
N/A
N/A
11.3
5.2
1.8
2003
103
82
0.62
0.63
23.8
16.1
19.7
15.8
0.034
N/A
19.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.4
1.7
2002
128
81
0.56
0.69
26.8
18.8
21.2
16.7
0.035
0.008
18.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.9
1.6
2001
119
87
0.63
0.70
27.9
17.2
20.0
12.7
0.014
0.008
20.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.6
1.5
2000
111
78
0.68
0.84
26.7
17.1
19.0
11.8
0.034
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.5
1.8
Natural disasters
Type
Philadelphia
Oakland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
96.6%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
34.4%
7,647.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
22%
20%
Transportation
Public transportation is effective in both cities but they differ largely. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) services Oakland, while SEPTA (South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) serves Philadelphia. Philadelphia is larger in land size and requires slightly longer commute times on average.
Transport
Type
Philadelphia
Oakland
Amtrak stations
2
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
347
154
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Philadelphia
Oakland
Bicycle
2%
1%
Bus
11.7%
3.2%
Carpooled
8.7%
12.6%
Car alone
60%
72.2%
Ferryboat
0%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.4%
Railroad
0.7%
0.1%
Streetcar
4.2%
2.3%
Subway
2.8%
0.5%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
7.8%
5.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Philadelphia
Oakland
Average
34.3 min
33.6 min
Other means
28.2 min
29 min
Public transportation
45.6 min
45.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Philadelphia
Oakland
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
88.1%
In 2 person carpool
10.2%
9.2%
In 3 person carpool
2%
2%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.6%
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
Philly offers more affordable housing options compared to Oakland. The median home cost in Oakland is significantly higher due to its proximity to other high-cost cities like San Francisco. Therefore, for those considering house ownership, Philadelphia will be more affordable.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast diverse neighborhoods with distinct characteristics. Philadelphia has a rich historical background and culturally diverse neighborhoods such as Fishtown and Queen Village. Oakland possesses vibrant neighborhoods like Temescal and the theatre-focused Uptown district.
Houses and residents
Type
Philadelphia
Oakland
Houses
733,015
186,660
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.5
Median year apartment built
1953
1958
Median year house/condo built
1947
1943
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16 years
15.4 years
Houses occupied
660,921 (90.2%)
170,366 (91.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
348,935 (52.8%)
72,661 (42.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
311,986 (47.2%)
97,705 (57.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,301
$3,127
Median monthly housing costs
$1,096
$1,921
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,453
$923,387
Estimated median house or condo value
$220,700
$848,600
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
4.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5.7
Median house price - detached houses
$292,974
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$357,727
$781,885
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$264,854
$716,428
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$442,314
$709,698
Median house price - mobile homes
$163,609
$365,144
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$93,218
$485,645
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$239,791
$834,685
Median house price - All housing units
$256,324
$991,120
Median house age
73
69
Renting percentage
45.9%
58.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,426.1
3,329.9
House value disparities
38.4%
22.3%
Household income disparities
49.5%
45.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,108
$153,718
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$44,075
$81,904
Housing units without a mortgage
8,484 (4%)
1,176 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
18,029 (8.5%)
4,996 (9.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
202,880 (96%)
51,720 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,280 (0.6%)
139 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
22,966 (10.9%)
6,096 (11.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
15
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.7%
2.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
3.3%
1.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Philadelphia
Oakland
One, detached
9.9%
42.3%
One, attached
55.9%
4.9%
Two
7.4%
6.2%
3 or 4
6.7%
11.1%
5 to 9
2.8%
6.6%
10 to 19
2.5%
6.9%
20 to 49
3.1%
9.9%
50 or more
11.2%
11.7%
Mobile homes
0.3%
0.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
29,270
20,615
State government workers
16,901
9,112
Unpaid family workers
570
529
Industries and Occupations
Philadelphia's predominant industries include education, healthcare, and financial services. Conversely, Oakland's economy is heavily influenced by tech, healthcare, and trade. Healthcare professionals would be in high demand in both cities, while teachers and finance professionals may find more opportunities in Philadelphia, and tech professionals would find Oakland more promising.
Health care is well-established in both cities. Oakland residents have access to excellent health care facilities, including the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Philadelphia is a healthcare power house with hospitals like the University of Pennsylvania Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia which are ranked among the best nationwide.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Philadelphia
Oakland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Philadelphia has an older, more urban infrastructure as one of the United States' oldest cities. It's characterized by historic buildings and landmarks. Oakland, being a younger city, has a more modern infrastructure. Both cities are focusing on renewing and renovating their infrastructures.
Infrastructure
Type
Philadelphia
Oakland
Hospitals
91
9
TV stations
24
28
Arenas or stadiums
7
2
Bank branches located here
329
76
Bank institutions located here
46
29
Main business address for public companies
47
10
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
10
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Philadelphia
Oakland
1999
3,294
1,291
2000
3,202
1,721
2001
2,480
1,244
2002
2,012
1,370
2003
3,268
2,021
2004
4,525
3,261
2005
6,637
3,850
2006
7,517
4,422
2007
5,750
2,645
2008
2,745
1,041
2009
1,390
700
Culture and Food
Both cities have robust cultural scenes. Philly is known for its historical attractions and diverse food scene, including its famous cheesesteaks. Oakland offers a unique blend of cultures from its diverse population which is reflected in its food scene with a focus on international and fusion cuisine.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will find much to cheer for in either city. Philadelphia is the Kingdom of sports, hosting the Eagles (NFL), Phillies (MLB), 76ers (NBA), and the Flyers (NHL). Oakland used to have the Golden State Warriors (NBA) and The Raiders (NFL), but now holds onto the Athletics (MLB) as the city's sole major sports team.
Philadelphia, PA
Oakland, CA
Philadelphia, PA and 
Oakland, CA : 2,506.7 miles
