Is Boston, MA cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 47.2% more expensive than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to spending an extra $3542 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $192,509.881 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 128.1% more expensive than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $3542 more per month than Philadelphia, PA, or $42510 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Philadelphia, PA

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.5K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $192.5K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↑ 47.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,542

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$42.5K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:147

Median Home:$961K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Philadelphia, PA vs Boston, MA

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $2,963more	128.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $410more	28.8%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$743/mo	↑ $136more	22.4%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$716/mo	↑ $109more	18.0%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $24.98less	2.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 128.1%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,963

🚗Transportation

↑ 28.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$410

🏥Healthcare

↑ 22.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$136

⚡All Utilities

↑ 18.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$109

📦Other

↑ 2.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$50.22

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.3%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$24.98

less

🏛️ 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$1,280

To$3,095

↑ $1,815

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$3,255

↑ $1,865

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$3,865

↑ $2,205

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$4,630

↑ $2,640

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,643

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Boston

$241K

Median Value

$961K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 299% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$241

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.