Why do I get more stations on my car radio than my home radio?

I live just north of Philadelphia. I listen to the local NPR station, but there are times (like pledge drives) that I switch to the New York station. At least I do this in my car. The reception is pretty good, but on my home radio, which is much more expensive than the one in the car, I can’t pick up the New York station at all. Why is this?