Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 32.1% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $2406 per month.

What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $121,127.517 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Philadelphia, PA?

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 56.2% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Philadelphia, PA?

Moving from Boston, MA to Philadelphia, PA could save you approximately $2406 per month, or $28872 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Boston, MA

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.4K/month moving to Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $121.1K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 32.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,406

Savings

Annual Impact

$28.9K

Per year

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:68

Median Home:$241K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

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: Boston, MA vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	Boston, MA	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$2,313/mo	↓ $2,963less	56.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,421/mo	↓ $410less	22.4%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$607/mo	↓ $136less	18.3%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$607/mo	↓ $109less	15.3%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,104/mo	↑ $24.98more	2.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 56.2%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$2,963

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 22.4%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$410

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.3%

Boston, MA

$743

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$136

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 15.3%

Boston, MA

$716

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$109

less

📦Other

↓ 2.8%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.3%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$24.98

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Boston, MA 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$3,095

To$1,280

↓ $1,815

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,390

↓ $1,865

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,660

↓ $2,205

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$1,990

↓ $2,640

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$3,643

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Philadelphia

$961K

Median Value

$241K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 75% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Philadelphia

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$241

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.