What is the cost of living in Philadelphia?

The cost of living in Philadelphia is 38.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 61.7). Groceries are 17.6% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 19.9% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,989 per month. Local purchasing power index is 134.6 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 PA, United States · #43 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Philadelphia?

Q: Should I move to Philadelphia?

Philadelphia, PA, United States has a cost of living 38.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 61.7). It is ranked #43 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 134.6 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

38.3% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-38.3%

vs NYC

USD 1,989

1-BR, city centre

134.6

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Philadelphia?

Cost breakdown: Philadelphia

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

61.7 Very expensive

Rent

45.5 Affordable

Groceries

82.4 Above average

Restaurants

80.1 Above average

Purchasing Power

134.6 Very strong

Rent in Philadelphia

1-BR, city centre USD 1,989/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,327/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 4,381/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 2,209/mo

Save by going outside centre 33% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Pittsburgh

PA, United States

CoL index 52.0

Compare Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia →

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