A Breakdown of the Cost of Living in Philadelphia, PA
- 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
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Browse Homes For Sale in Philadelphia, PAIs Living in Philadelphia, PA Expensive?
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
Utilities in Philadelphia
Food and Groceries in Philadelphia
Transportation in Philadelphia
Healthcare in Philadelphia
Miscellaneous Costs in Philadelphia
What Salary Do You Need to Live in Philadelphia, PA?
- 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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Data provided by Redfin, a national real estate brokerage.



