Cost of Living in Philadelphia, PA is
14.4% Higher
than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in Philadelphia, PA increase in 2024? Philadelphia, PA area prices were up 1.0% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Philadelphia, Pennsylvania    Philadelphia, sometimes known colloquially as Philly, is the largest city in the U.S. state and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the sixth-most popul....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Pennsylvania's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $7.25 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Calculator



Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA Compared to national average
+ 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC Compared to national average
+ 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL Compared to national average
+ 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL Compared to national average
+ 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State New York, NY Compared to national average
+ 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX Compared to national average
+ 7.0%

Cost of Living Philadelphia, PA by Expense Category

Category Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy Compared to national average
-10.2%
CategoryFood Compared to national average
-5.8%
CategoryHealthcare Compared to national average
+ 11.2%
CategoryHousing Compared to national average
+ 26.0%
CategoryTransportation Compared to national average
+ 2.7%

Cost of Living Comparison with Philadelphia, PA

If you move to Philadelphia from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.


Move From Move To Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA Move ToPhiladelphia, PA Cost Of Living Comparision
-72.1%
Move FromWashington, DC Move ToPhiladelphia, PA Cost Of Living Comparision
-30.8%
Move FromMiami, FL Move ToPhiladelphia, PA Cost Of Living Comparision
-0.9%
Move FromChicago, IL Move ToPhiladelphia, PA Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 2.0%
Move FromBoston, MA Move ToPhiladelphia, PA Cost Of Living Comparision
-38.7%
Move FromNew York, NY Move ToPhiladelphia, PA Cost Of Living Comparision
-62.6%
Move FromDallas, TX Move ToPhiladelphia, PA Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 7.4%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.


About Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, sometimes known colloquially as Philly, is the largest city in the U.S. state and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the sixth-most populous U.S. city, with a 2017 census-estimated population of 1,580,863. Since 1854, the city has been coterminous with Philadelphia County, the most populous county in Pennsylvania and the urban core of the eighth-largest U.S. metropolitan statistical area, with over 6 million residents as of 2017[update]. Philadelphia is also the economic and cultural anchor of the greater Delaware Valley, located along the lower Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, wit...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the Cost of Living in Philadelphia, PA

I love to be able to eat at restaurants and try different foods, if I include that along with groceries in my overall cost of living, how would I do in Philadelphia, PA?

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania going out to eat at a restaurant and buying food is considered to be affordable. Make sure you take this into account as you plan your overall cost of living in Philadelphia, PA. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Philadelphia, PA?

If you love sports, you will love Philadelphia, PA! Since there are football, baseball, basketball, hockey teams, you can go to a lot of games. Keep in mind that the tickets tend to be expensive, so you need to manage your entertainment budget carefully. Sometimes you can get discount tickets on line. Some people purchase a season ticket with a group of friends and take turns going to the games. Sports tickets can increase your cost of living in Philadelphia, PA, but if you are a true sports fan it is worth it. In Philadelphia, PA, the games are usually shown on local TV and you can host a party of friends and watch the game together. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?

Even if you are moving within your current state, the cost of moving could be over $1,000 depending on the city, what you are moving, and how much professional help you hire. You can save some expense by packing boxes yourself, renting a U-Haul truck, and asking friends and family to help with the loading and unloading. You should call at least three moving companies for a moving estimate, the cost might be less than you think and you won’t have to worry about a friend hurting their back trying to move your heavy furniture. Another way to make your move easier – and save money – is by weeding out items you don’t need anymore. Why bother to move stuff that you do not even use! Have a yard sale or find a local charitable organization and donate items you no longer use. Make sure you include these moving costs into the overall cost of living for year one in Philadelphia, PA. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

I am moving with children, what should I do to make the move less stressful for them and myself?

Make sure your child has a favorite toy, doll, game, clothing, blanket, snacks, etc. to take with them during the transition. Once you arrive, let your child help with arranging and decorating their new room. You may be tempted to unpack everything when you arrive, but make sure you take a break from unpacking to spend time playing and relaxing with your child. Plan on packing a special bag to take with you with those items that you will need first. Towels, soap, a few basic kitchen utensils and food items like crackers, tea, juice, will make your new location functional as soon as you arrive and fell more like home. A small new toy, book, or video that you give to your child when you arrive might help them to feel happy and relaxed in the new location. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

How much are average utility costs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania compared to the rest of U.S.?

Electric costs in Philadelphia,PA are currently higher than average when compared to other states. Since a year ago the price of electricity in Pennsylvania has gone down about 0.964%. Electric costs will contribute to the energy component of your overall cost of living. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

How do rental housing prices in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania impact the overall cost of living?

I am single and live in Philadelphia,PA, I rent a small 1 bedroom and the monthly rent is $782 . Rent contributes to a large part of the overall cost of living in Philadelphia,PA, I try to economize by having a small apartment. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Are there fun things to in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that are free or don’t cost a lot?

Looks for areas of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Philadelphia, PA to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Will I have to pay a lot in taxes if I move to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

The sales tax for Philadelphia is 6%. This is the tax that you will pay on things that you buy. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Is there good public transportation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is considered to have a very good public transport system. Pennsylvania is ranked NO. 9 in U.S for public transportation availability. Utilizing public transportation could reduce commuting costs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania very congested with traffic?

If you are planning to drive to work, you will be spending a lot of time and gas to get there. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is one of the Worst cities in the United States for driving. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is ranked number 97 out of 100 major cities. Plan on spending more on gas and auto expenses if you move to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, resulting in a higher cost of living. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

How long does it take to get to work in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on average?

Getting to work is important. The weather, traffic, time of year, day of week and if there are accidents, can all impact your commute time. Hopefully you will have a smooth commute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but be prepared for delays. The time you spend commuting is time you do not have to do other things, so it is valuable. The average time for commuting in Philadelphia is 41.92 minutes. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

What is the cost of public transit in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Public transit in Philadelphia, PA will cost you around $91.00 per month. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )



Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )


Last Update: 2024-02-26