Cost of Living in Philadelphia
Overall index: 112.5 — 15 points above Pennsylvania average. Pennsylvania statewide average: 97.1.
Where your money goes in Philadelphia
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Philadelphia
Estimated annual spending: $73,827($1,173 remaining)
What things cost in Philadelphia
| Item | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania avg | US avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $320,000 | $270,000 | $360,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,750/mo | $1,215/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Gas (regular) | $3.64/gal | $3.64/gal | $3.50/gal |
| Electric bill | $111/mo | $111/mo | $137/mo |
| Infant childcare | $15,800/yr | $13,354/yr | $13,500/yr |
Index by category
Philadelphia vs Pennsylvania statewide. National average = 100.
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has an overall cost-of-living index of 112.5 (national average = 100). This is higher than the Pennsylvania statewide average of 97.1. Median home prices are $320,000 and average 2BR rent is $1,750/month.
Is Philadelphia expensive to live in?
Yes, Philadelphia is more expensive than the national average with an index of 112.5. Housing is the biggest factor at 128% of the national average.
How much does rent cost in Philadelphia?
Average 2-bedroom rent in Philadelphia is $1,750/month, compared to the national average of $1,400/month and the Pennsylvania statewide average of $1,215/month.
What salary do I need to live in Philadelphia?
A $75,000 salary at the national average cost of living is equivalent to $84,375 in Philadelphia. You'll need a higher income to maintain the same standard of living.
Where does this data come from?
Metro-level data combines BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), C2ER COLI metro indices (2025), Zillow ZHVI/ZORI metro data (2024-2025), and state-level data from MERIC, AAA, EIA, and Child Care Aware.
Related tools
- Pennsylvania Cost of Living — Statewide averages and all metro areas
- Pennsylvania Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay
- House Affordability in Pennsylvania — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Metro-level data from BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), C2ER COLI (2025), and Zillow ZHVI (2024-2025). Where metro data is unavailable, Pennsylvania statewide averages are used.