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Cost of Living: New York, NY 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.

25.5% Philadelphia, PA is cheaper overall
43.6% 43.6% cheaper housing
8.6% 8.6% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 43.6% cheaper
New York
195
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries 8.6% cheaper
New York
116
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation 13.8% cheaper
New York
130
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare 8.7% cheaper
New York
115
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities 3.6% cheaper
New York
112
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category New York, NY Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index14510825.5% less
Housing19511043.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$3,200$1,50053.1% less
Median Home Price$750,000$280,00062.7% less
Groceries1161068.6% less
Transportation13011213.8% less
Healthcare1151058.7% less
Utilities1121083.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type New York, NY Philadelphia, PA
State Income Tax10.90% (top)3.07%
State Sales Tax4.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.40%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

New York, NY
$115,000
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 New York lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: New York (145) vs Philadelphia (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
New York5.1%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
New York2.8%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
New YorkFinance, Media, Tech
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
New York41 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
New York89
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
New York48
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
New York55°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
New York8,258,035
Philadelphia1,603,797

Moving from New York to Philadelphia?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in New York 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York 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 43.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in New York vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $3,200/month in New York and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $1,700 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, New York or Philadelphia?+
New York has a state income tax of 10.90% (top) and sales tax of 4.00%. 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 New York to Philadelphia?+
Median household income in New York is $115,000 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 New York vs Philadelphia?+
The median home price in New York is $750,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $470,000. Property tax rates also differ: New York averages 1.40% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.