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Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Philadelphia, PA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

3.6% Philadelphia, PA is cheaper overall
16.7% 16.7% cheaper housing
5.0% 5.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 16.7% cheaper
Denver
132
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries 5.0% more
Denver
101
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation 6.7% more
Denver
105
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Denver
104
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities 12.5% more
Denver
96
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1121083.6% less
Housing13211016.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,5007.4% less
Median Home Price$540,000$280,00048.1% less
Groceries1011065.0% more
Transportation1051126.7% more
Healthcare104105~Same
Utilities9610812.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Philadelphia, PA
State Income Tax4.40%3.07%
State Sales Tax2.90%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
Median household income
Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Philadelphia costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Philadelphia to maintain your Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Philadelphia (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
Denver713,252
Philadelphia1,603,797

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver and Philadelphia → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Philadelphia →

Compare Other Cities

Denver vs Austin → Denver vs Nashville → Denver vs Raleigh → Philadelphia vs Portland → Philadelphia vs Phoenix → Philadelphia vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?+
Philadelphia is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 16.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $120 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Philadelphia?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Denver to Philadelphia?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $62,000 in Philadelphia. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Denver vs Philadelphia?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $260,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.