$100k salary, packing up from Chicago
changea dispatch from
philadelphia
PA
39.95°N
75.17°W
Philadelphia is cheesesteaks (the Pat's vs. Geno's argument is mostly theater), the Italian Market, and the Liberty Bell sitting modestly in a glass pavilion. Murals are everywhere (the city runs the largest public art program in the country). The Eagles fans climbing light poles is folklore for a reason. The food scene punches way above its weight and the bar scene knows it.
the verdict
below Chicago's monthly cost
Money-wise it's a wash. The case for Philadelphia is everything that isn't rent.
a quick ledger.
$1,869/mo
14% cheaper than Chicago(vs $2,170/mo)
6.82%
$156/mo more in state tax than Chicago
vs 4.95% in Chicago
$5,896/mo
$145 more than Chicago
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$393k
8% more expensive than Chicago
vs $365k in Chicago
6.2M
vs 9.3M in Chicago
field notes, weather & such.
173
pleasant days a year, in philadelphia.
Chicago barely cracks 153 pleasant ones.
86% fewer events than Chicago. The pace eases up.
69/100
1% lower than Chicago
vs 70/100 in Chicago
Closest outdoor draw: Evansburg State Park, 20.3 mi.
100/100
0% lower than Chicago
vs 100/100 in Chicago
122
44% fewer than Chicago
vs 217 nonstops in Chicago
if philadelphia appeals, also worth a look:
