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.

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.

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.

Groceries in Philadelphia have an index of 100.5 (national average = 100). A typical monthly grocery basket costs about $412 compared to the national average of $410. A dozen eggs costs around $4.97.

Center-based infant childcare in Philadelphia averages $15,800/year ($1,317/month). This is significantly higher than the national average of $13,500/year. Data from Child Care Aware of America (2024).

Philadelphia's housing index is 128 vs the Pennsylvania statewide average of 86.8. Median home prices are $320,000 in Philadelphia vs $270,000 statewide, and 2BR rent averages $1,750/month vs $1,215/month statewide.

Philadelphia's transportation cost index is 108 (national average = 100). Regular gas averages $3.64/gallon. Transportation costs are near the national average.

Philadelphia's utility cost index is 115 (national average = 100). The estimated average monthly electric bill is $117, compared to the national average of $137/month and the Pennsylvania statewide average of $111/month. Utility rates are based on EIA 2024 residential electricity data.

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.

Based on Philadelphia's cost-of-living index of 112.5, a single adult needs approximately $56,250–$66,250/year to cover basic expenses (housing, food, transportation, healthcare). For a family of four, roughly double that. These estimates scale the national baseline by Philadelphia's local costs — actual needs vary by household size and lifestyle.

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.