Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 8.0% cheaper than Denver, CO. This translates to saving $600 per month.

What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA to live like I do in Denver, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $142,800 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Denver, CO and Philadelphia, PA?

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 28.8% cheaper than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Denver, CO to Philadelphia, PA?

Moving from Denver, CO to Philadelphia, PA could save you approximately $600 per month, or $7200 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Denver, CO

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $600/month moving to Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.8K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$600

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.2K

Per year

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:92

Median Home:$241K

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

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: Denver, CO vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	Denver, CO	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$2,313/mo	↓ $936less	28.8%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$607/mo	↑ $87.43more	16.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,104/mo	↑ $74.94more	7.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,421/mo	↓ $40.98less	2.8%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$607/mo	↓ $24.78less	3.9%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,774/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 28.8%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$936

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 16.8%

Denver, CO

$519

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$87.43

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$74.94

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.8%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$40.98

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.9%

Denver, CO

$632

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$24.78

less

📦Other

→ 0.0%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

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

Net difference+$5,556/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,720

To$1,280

↓ $440

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,390

↓ $450

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$1,660

↓ $530

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$1,990

↓ $880

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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.

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$839

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Philadelphia

$513K

Median Value

$241K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 53% less expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - Philadelphia

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$166

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

Rate difference

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

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

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

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.