Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 33.4% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $2507 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $119,921.053 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 62.8% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

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

Moving from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA could save you approximately $2507 per month, or $30079 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Washington, DC

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.5K/month moving to Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.9K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 33.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,507

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.1K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:67

Median Home:$241K

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

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: Washington, DC vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	Washington, DC	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,211/mo	$2,313/mo	↓ $3,898less	62.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,421/mo	↓ $464less	24.6%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$607/mo	↑ $98.36more	19.4%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,104/mo	↑ $24.98more	2.3%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$607/mo	↓ $24.78less	3.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 62.8%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$3,898

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 24.6%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$464

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 19.4%

Washington, DC

$508

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$98.36

📦Other

↓ 2.8%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.3%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$24.98

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.9%

Washington, DC

$632

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$24.78

less

🏛️ 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$2,150

To$1,280

↓ $870

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$1,390

↓ $825

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$1,660

↓ $810

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$1,990

↓ $1,125

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$4,314

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Philadelphia

$556K

Median Value

$241K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 57% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Philadelphia

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$545

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

Rate difference

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

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.