Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than Atlanta, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 4.5% cheaper than Atlanta, GA. This translates to saving $340 per month.

What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA to live like I do in Atlanta, GA?

If you earn $150,000 in Atlanta, GA, you'd need approximately $145,924.528 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Atlanta, GA and Philadelphia, PA?

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 11.9% cheaper than in Atlanta, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Atlanta, GA to Philadelphia, PA?

Moving from Atlanta, GA to Philadelphia, PA could save you approximately $340 per month, or $4075 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Atlanta, GA

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Atlanta, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $340/month moving to Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.9K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$340

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$441K

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$241K

Atlanta, GA

The Peach State

499K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Capital of the South
•Delta Air Lines headquarters

Major Industries

TransportationTechnologyFilm ProductionFinance

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Atlanta, GA vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	Atlanta, GA	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,625/mo	$2,313/mo	↓ $312less	11.9%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $151less	7.8%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,104/mo	↑ $145more	15.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,421/mo	↓ $27.32less	1.9%
⚡All Utilities	$585/mo	$607/mo	↑ $21.86more	3.7%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$607/mo	↑ $18.59more	3.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 11.9%

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$312

less

📦Other

↓ 7.8%

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

$151

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 15.1%

Atlanta, GA

$959

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$145

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.9%

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$27.32

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.7%

Atlanta, GA

$585

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$21.86

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.2%

Atlanta, GA

$589

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$18.59

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

Atlanta, GA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,865

To$1,280

↓ $585

1 Bed

From$1,950

To$1,390

↓ $560

2 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,660

↓ $480

3 Bed

From$2,565

To$1,990

↓ $575

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/mo

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$304

Difference

Home Values

Atlanta

Philadelphia

$441K

Median Value

$241K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +17.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$202K - $1.46M

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 45% less expensive than Atlanta

Calculate payment - Atlanta Calculate payment - Philadelphia

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$321

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.6%

Rate difference

Atlanta, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.