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Cost of Living in
Philadelphia

  • List2
    Living cost is 6.5% higher than avg
  • List2
    Families spend upto $9,405/mo on avg
  • List2
    Homeowners spend $8,719/mo on avg
  • List2
    Renters spend $5,574/mo on avg

Cost of Living in
Philadelphia

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A Breakdown of the Cost of Living in Philadelphia, PA

U.S. Avg.
Philadelphia, PA
Diff
Home Price
$532,491
$511,480
graph trend 4%
Apartment Rent (per month)
$1,367
$2,103
graph trend 54%
U.S. Avg.
Philadelphia, PA
Diff
Phone (per month)
$219.4
$203.31
graph trend 7%
Total Energy (per month)
$200.23
$241.96
graph trend 21%
U.S. Avg.
Philadelphia, PA
Diff
Grocery Staples
Corn Flakes (per box)
$6.79
$6.09
graph trend 10%
Frozen Corn (per bag)
$2.41
$2.15
graph trend 11%
Frozen Meal (per package)
$4.85
$4.14
graph trend 15%
Cooking Oil (per bottle)
$6.16
$10.35
graph trend 68%
Detergent (per bottle)
$19.51
$20.44
graph trend 5%
Facial Tissues (per box)
$2.85
$2.31
graph trend 19%
Sweet Peas (per can)
$1.83
$1.87
graph trend 2%
Sugar (per bag)
$4.66
$5.23
graph trend 12%
Bread (per loaf)
$3.87
$4.05
graph trend 5%
Frying Chicken (per lb)
$1.64
$1.54
graph trend 6%
Meat & Poultry
Chicken (per lb)
$1.71
$1.57
graph trend 8%
Steak (per lb)
$14.54
$16.64
graph trend 14%
Sausage (per lb)
$5.23
$5.43
graph trend 4%
Ground Beef (per lb)
$8.61
$8.05
graph trend 7%
Snacks & Beverages
Soft Drink (per bottle)
$3.45
$3.62
graph trend 5%
Potato Chips (per bag)
$5.54
$4.18
graph trend 25%
Coffee (per lb)
$6.55
$6.41
graph trend 2%
Fresh Orange Juice (per half gallon)
$5.22
$4.8
graph trend 8%
Fruits & Vegetables
Peaches (per can)
$4.40
$2.88
graph trend 35%
Lettuce (per head)
$1.98
$2.14
graph trend 8%
Bananas (per lb)
$0.64
$0.77
graph trend 20%
Potatoes (per bag)
$5.58
$4.96
graph trend 11%
Dairy & Eggs
Parmesan Cheese (per lb)
$4.69
$5.33
graph trend 14%
Margarine (per lb)
$1.30
$1.77
graph trend 36%
Eggs (per dozen)
$3.98
$4.52
graph trend 14%
Whole Milk (per gallon)
$4.08
$4.9
graph trend 20%
Seafood
Chunk Light Tuna (per can)
$1.22
$1.3
graph trend 7%
U.S. Avg.
Philadelphia, PA
Diff
Tire Balance (per tire)
$70.23
$71.91
graph trend 2%
Gasoline (per gallon)
$2.9
$3.19
graph trend 10%
U.S. Avg.
Philadelphia, PA
Diff
Doctor Visit (per visit)
$116.03
$155.2
graph trend 34%
Dentist Visit (per visit)
$145.11
$129.68
graph trend 11%
Ibuprofen (per bottle)
$12.38
$11.94
graph trend 4%
Prescription Drug (per month)
$20.8
$22.41
graph trend 8%
Optometrist Visit (per visit)
$95.27
$143.29
graph trend 50%
U.S. Avg.
Philadelphia, PA
Diff
Women’s Slacks
$35.43
$33.53
graph trend 5%
Boys’ Jeans
$29.47
$28.03
graph trend 5%
Men’s Shirt
$39.36
$38.74
graph trend 2%
Wine (per bottle)
$7.51
$15.64
graph trend 108%
Beer (per 6-pack)
$11.17
$12.14
graph trend 9%
Veterinary Services (per visit)
$65.33
$81.19
graph trend 24%
Tennis Balls (per pack)
$3.59
$4.23
graph trend 18%
Yoga (per class)
$12
$27.63
graph trend 130%
Movie (per ticket)
$11.67
$15.97
graph trend 37%
Newspaper (per copy)
$19.31
$18.71
graph trend 3%
Washer Repair (per service)
$109.47
$90.79
graph trend 17%
Women Slacks
$34.88
$37.23
graph trend 7%
Boy Jeans
$29.51
$28.2
graph trend 4%
Man Dress Shirt
$39.05
$36.26
graph trend 7%
Dry Cleaning (per item)
$13.45
$14.23
graph trend 6%
Shampoo (per bottle)
$1.55
$1.74
graph trend 12%
Toothpaste (per tube)
$3.64
$4.08
graph trend 12%
Beauty Salon (per visit)
$47.5
$68.56
graph trend 44%
Haircut (per cut)
$27.08
$39.05
graph trend 44%
Fried Chicken (per serving)
$4.37
$5.38
graph trend 23%
Pizza (per pizza)
$11.99
$12.34
graph trend 3%
Hamburger (per serving)
$5.28
$5.75
graph trend 9%
Welcome to Philly—where the cost of living is 6.5% higher than the national average. As the 48th-most expensive city in the US, Philadelphia delivers East Coast city living at a more affordable price than New York or DC, especially when it comes to housing. Anchored by top-tier universities, major hospitals, and a fast-growing biotech sector, the city attracts professionals, students, and families alike. Philadelphia’s cost of living may be steep in some categories, but it still offers better value than other major coastal metros.
  • Housing is 4% lower than the US average. The average home price in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is $557,000, compared to the national median of $510,000. If you’re buying a home in Philadelphia, plan to put down 15–20% of the home price upfront as down payment. Additionally, monthly mortgage payments run 35% to 40% higher than the national average.
  • Renting in Philadelphia is 53.8% higher than the national average of $1,530. A rental one-bedroom home in Philadelphia costs around $2,220 per month, while a two-bedroom averages $2,850. But even with those high prices, don’t expect central air or in-unit laundry in older buildings. Newer apartments may offer rooftop decks and gyms, but parking is rarely included.
  • Utilities are 8% higher than the national average. Monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and garbage—cost between $160 and $240 depending on the season. Winter heating bills push costs higher, especially from November through March. Most homes don’t have HOA fees, unless they’re part of new developments. Internet plans start at $60 per month.
  • Food prices in Philadelphia are 4% higher than the US median. A gallon of milk costs roughly $5.10, compared to $4.30 in Los Angeles or $4.10 in Tampa. If you’re a family of four, you can expect to spend $1,100 to $1,400 each month on groceries. If you’re a single adult, budget $375 to $575 per month, depending on your eating habits.
  • Transportation costs are 10.38% higher than the US average. Gasoline prices are $3.19 per gallon, lower than New York City ($3.70) and Boston ($3.85). Monthly car insurance premiums average $195, slightly above the national average of $183. Whether you’re driving or using public transit, factor in parking fees, tolls, and SEPTA fares.
  • Healthcare costs in Philadelphia are 3.55% higher than the national average. A routine check-up is $125, compared to $120 in New York City or $110 in Miami. That makes basic healthcare in Philadelphia slightly less expensive than other large East Coast cities. If you slip on an icy sidewalk in Old City, expect an ER visit to cost around $2,700 without insurance.
  • Miscellaneous expenses are 10.07% higher than the national average. This covers weekend museum visits, gym memberships (averaging $70 to $100 per month), and occasional dinners in Rittenhouse Square. A family day at the Franklin Institute costs up to $95, while date nights in Fishtown may exceed $150.

Moving to Philadelphia? Expect slightly lower costs than bigger cities, but the charm of historic streets and Philly cheesesteaks comes at its own price! 👉 Next Step: Compare single-family homes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Is Living in Philadelphia, PA Expensive?

Not particularly. The overall cost of living in Philadelphia, PA, is 6.5% higher than the national average—moderate by East Coast standards. Housing helps offset higher expenses, with Philadelphia home prices about 9% above the national median. Food and transportation costs align closely with US norms, while utilities are 5% more expensive than average.

With a $700K budget, you can land a renovated row house in Rittenhouse Square. But that same amount might only get a modest one-bedroom condo in parts of New York City or Washington DC—where home prices can be 30% to 70% higher. For many middle-class families, Philadelphia offers a rare blend of urban convenience and relatively manageable costs.

Housing in Philadelphia

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If you’re buying a home in Philadelphia, be prepared to pay more than the sticker price. Housing in Philly is 4% lower than the US average, with growing demand for its historic architecture. With mortgage rates typically between 6.5% and 7%, and occasional HOA fees depending on the neighborhood, monthly payments can add up. Let’s break down the costs for a Philadelphia home:

Utilities in Philadelphia

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Food and Groceries in Philadelphia

+

Transportation in Philadelphia

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Healthcare in Philadelphia

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Miscellaneous Costs in Philadelphia

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What Salary Do You Need to Live in Philadelphia, PA?

The average income in Philadelphia, PA is 6.5% higher, but to live comfortably, most residents need between $85,000 and $120,000 per year. The Philadelphia cost of living is about 6.5% higher than the national average, so expenses can add up depending on your lifestyle and household size.
  • Homeowners Spend — $104,628.00 per year: This covers mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and daily expenses. Neighborhoods like Mount Airy and East Passyunk combine charm with rising costs.
  • Renters Spend — $66,888.00 per year: Renters pay for Philadelphia apartment rent, utilities, groceries, and transit, especially in popular areas like Rittenhouse and Northern Liberties.
  • Families with Kids Spend — $112,860.00 per year: Including childcare, schooling, larger homes, and extracurriculars, families budget this amount. Family-friendly neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill and Roxborough often require dual incomes to stay comfortable.

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What is a Cost of Living Calculator?

A cost of living calculator helps you compare the expenses required to live in a different location. The calculator factors in various living expenses like housing, food, utilities, transportation, fitness, and entertainment, etc., and helps you estimate how much salary you need to live in that city. Since the cost of goods and services varies in different cities, a Philadelphia cost of living calculator can help you make the decision to move to this city or not.

About Cost of Living Data

The data used to determine Philadelphia's cost of living is sourced from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Published since 1968, COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This organization regularly updates its data to offer a detailed and well-researched view of living expenses in cities across the country. An independent Advisory Board reviews C2ER’s data collection methodologies and quarterly publications to ensure consistency and quality. For more information, visit www.coli.org. Data published as of Oct 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Data provided by Redfin, a national real estate brokerage.

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