2025 Compare Cities Education:
Cary, NC vs Philadelphia, PA

Change Cities
Highlights
- Philadelphia spends 122.4% more per student than Cary.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 0.5% lower in Philadelphia than in Cary. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Philadelphia had 10.4% fewer residents who had graduated High School compared to Cary
 Cary, NCPhiladelphia, PAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$25,843$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$9,531  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,842$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio15.11  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock23804573
 Students per Counselor300  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock5.1%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.2.0%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock86.6%88.9%
 Some College Educ.12.2%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock6.0%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.69.5%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock9.3%9.3%
 Professional Degree3.6%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.8%1.5%
Reviews for Cary    63 Reviews

Cary is up-and-coming “cool.” The downtown is revitalized and growing. The town takes urban planning very seriously. The home prices have definitely spiked in the last  More

   |    Reply

Over 8 years ago

I've lived in NY, CT, MA, and in Miami FL. Now here in Cary NC for the past 10 years. For what I want and need at this phase of my life, I really like it here! All the  More

   |    Reply

Over 8 years ago

As a Real Estate Agent, I consider Cary the most central location in the Triangle, it basically takes you twenty minutes to get to Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough,   More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Cary

Reviews for Philadelphia    139 Reviews

Philadelphia is a very walkable and fun city to explore (albeit be aware of where not to explore at least at night). The city has beautiful old architecture , great  More

   |    Reply

I’m originally from New York City, then lived in a small city in upstate New York for eight years, then moved down to Philadelphia and have lived here for many years.  More

   |    Reply

Now the only reason some people disagree is because MONEY. If you live in “manayunk” (which I lived for 2 years) you can’t compare … you can’t compare your out skirt  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Philadelphia


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.