Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 39.8% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $2982 per month.

What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $114,214.286 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA?

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 69.8% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Philadelphia, PA?

Moving from New York, NY to Philadelphia, PA could save you approximately $2982 per month, or $35786 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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New York, NY

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.0K/month moving to Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $114.2K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 39.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,982

Savings

Annual Impact

$35.8K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:60

Median Home:$241K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

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: New York, NY vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	New York, NY	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$2,313/mo	↓ $5,335less	69.8%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $259less	12.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,421/mo	↓ $182less	11.3%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$607/mo	↓ $80.54less	11.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,104/mo	↓ $60.95less	5.2%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$607/mo	↑ $6.56more	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 69.8%

New York, NY

$7,648

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$5,335

less

📦Other

↓ 12.8%

New York, NY

$2,034

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

$259

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.3%

New York, NY

$1,602

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$182

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.7%

New York, NY

$688

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$80.54

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.2%

New York, NY

$1,165

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$60.95

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.1%

New York, NY

$600

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$6.56

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

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

Net difference-$64.00/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,120

To$1,280

↓ $1,840

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$1,390

↓ $1,880

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$1,660

↓ $1,930

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$1,990

↓ $2,510

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$5,911

Difference

Home Values

New York

Philadelphia

$1.05M

Median Value

$241K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 77% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Philadelphia

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$412

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.3%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

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.