Boston vs Philadelphia: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Boston is 24% more expensive than Philadelphia. Boston is 17% safer. Boston has more comfortable months (6 vs 6). Boston population: 672,973. Philadelphia population: 1,574,281.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Boston vs Philadelphia
Philadelphia is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 125 vs 155 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 30 index points.
| Category | Boston | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 155 | 125 |
| Housing | $4,450/moIndex: 250 | $3,293/moIndex: 185 |
| Groceries | $443/moIndex: 108 | $443/moIndex: 108 |
| Transportation | $392/moIndex: 112 | $385/moIndex: 110 |
| Healthcare | $368/moIndex: 115 | $346/moIndex: 108 |
| Utilities | $231/moIndex: 105 | $224/moIndex: 102 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Boston vs Philadelphia
Boston is 17% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22 per 1,000 residents vs Philadelphia's 26.5. Boston earns a B- safety grade compared to Philadelphia's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Boston
Massachusetts
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
| Metric | Boston | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 22/1K | 26.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 600.0 | 750.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1600.0 | 1900.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 12.2 |
| Assault Rate | 460.1 | 561.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 114.1 | 121.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.4 | 245.4 |
| Theft Rate | 1305.9 | 1445.1 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 273.8 | 266.1 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Boston, you have a 1 in 45 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 38 in Philadelphia.
Climate: Boston vs Philadelphia
Boston Climate Overview
Philadelphia Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Boston | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 59.2°F | 64.4°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 44.7°F | 47.9°F |
| Annual Rain | 43.2" | 42.2" |
| Annual Snow | 42.6" | 19.0" |
| Comfortable Months | 6 | 6 |
| Freezing Months | 4 | 3 |
Philadelphia is 5°F warmer in summer than Boston, but Boston is 4°F colder in winter than Philadelphia. Boston gets significantly more snow (43" vs 19").
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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