Use the Philadelphia Cost of Living Calculator

Your current annual income ($)

Your current city cost index (national avg = 100)

💡 Tip: Bookmark this page for quick access whenever you need it.

Cost of Living in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia is a historic city with a growing tech and healthcare sector. It offers relatively affordable housing by Northeast standards, a strong arts scene, and easy access to New York and Washington D.C. The city has one of the highest wage tax rates in the country.

Philadelphia's cost of living index is 101 — 1% above the national average of 100. The median household income is approximately $45,927/year, and the median monthly rent is around $1,500.

Key Cost Factors in Philadelphia

Housing: The largest expense for most residents. Median rent in Philadelphia is approximately $1,500/month for a one-bedroom apartment. Home prices vary significantly by neighborhood.

Transportation: Costs depend heavily on whether you drive or use public transit. Philadelphia transit options and commute patterns significantly affect monthly expenses.

Food & Groceries: Generally scales with overall cost of living. Eating out costs are near the national average in Philadelphia.

Taxes: State and local tax burden is a critical factor when comparing cities. Research your specific situation, including state income tax, property tax, and sales tax rates.

Is Philadelphia Affordable?

A common rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. At the median rent of $1,500/month, you would need an income of at least $6,000/year to keep housing costs in check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does Philadelphia compare to other major cities?
A: With a cost index of 101, Philadelphia is 1% above the national average. Compare this to NYC (187), SF (~200), Austin (122), and Houston (96) to put it in context.

Q: What salary do I need to live comfortably in Philadelphia?
A: Financial planners generally recommend earning 3–4× your annual rent. At $1,500/month in rent, that suggests a target income of $54,000–$72,000/year.

Disclaimer: Cost of living figures are estimates based on available data and may not reflect current conditions. Conduct thorough research before making relocation decisions.