Is Washington, DC cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 50.2% more expensive than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to spending an extra $3765 per month.

What salary do I need in Washington, DC to live like I do in Philadelphia, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $195,177.866 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 168.5% more expensive than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC?

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $3765 more per month than Philadelphia, PA, or $45178 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Washington, DC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.8K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $195.2K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 50.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,765

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$45.2K

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:150

Median Home:$556K

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Philadelphia, PA vs Washington, DC

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $3,898more	168.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $464more	32.7%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$508/mo	↓ $98.36less	16.2%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $24.98less	2.3%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$632/mo	↑ $24.78more	4.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 168.5%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$3,898

🚗Transportation

↑ 32.7%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$464

⚡All Utilities

↓ 16.2%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$98.36

less

📦Other

↑ 2.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$50.22

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.3%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$24.98

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.1%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$24.78

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Washington, DC 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$2,150

↑ $870

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$2,215

↑ $825

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$2,470

↑ $810

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$3,115

↑ $1,125

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$4,314

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Washington

$241K

Median Value

$556K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 131% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$545

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.