Question 1

Is Philadelphia, PA or Wilkes-Barre, PA cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

Wilkes-Barre, PA is cheaper. The median home price in Philadelphia, PA is approximately $509,300 and in Wilkes-Barre, PA it is approximately $223,100 — a difference of $286,200.

Question 2

Is Philadelphia, PA or Wilkes-Barre, PA more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia, PA is more walkable. Philadelphia, PA has a Walk Score of 78/100 and Wilkes-Barre, PA has a Walk Score of 55/100.

Question 3

Which has better schools, Philadelphia, PA or Wilkes-Barre, PA?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia, PA has higher-rated schools. Philadelphia, PA has a school rating of 6.9/10 and Wilkes-Barre, PA has a rating of 5.7/10.

Question 4

Should I live in Philadelphia, PA or Wilkes-Barre, PA?

Accepted Answer

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Wilkes-Barre, PA
Housing
Verdict	Good for now	Good for now
Median Price	$509K	$223K ✓ Lower price
Median Rent	$2K	$763 ✓ Lower rent
Median Income	$105K ✓ Higher income	$31K
Price Volatility	High	Moderate ✓ More stable
Getting Around
Walk Score	78/100 ✓ More walkable	55/100
Transit Score	14/100 ✓ Better transit	10/100
Bike Score	78/100 ✓ More bikeable	N/A
Commute	6 min ✓ Shorter commute	120 min
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	D+	D+
Violent Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Property Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Moderate	Moderate
Community
Schools	6.9/10 ✓ Better schools	5.7/10
Best for	young professionalsstudentsremote workers	StudentsLow‑income familiesRetirees looking for cheap housing

Philadelphia, PA vs Wilkes-Barre, PA

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