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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Boston, MA

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

25.0% Boston, MA is more expensive overall
56.4% 56.4% more expensive housing
3.8% 3.8% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 56.4% more
Philadelphia
110
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries 3.8% more
Philadelphia
106
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 5.4% more
Philadelphia
112
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 9.5% more
Philadelphia
105
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 3.7% more
Philadelphia
108
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index10813525.0% more
Housing11017256.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$2,60073.3% more
Median Home Price$280,000$700,000150.0% more
Groceries1061103.8% more
Transportation1121185.4% more
Healthcare1051159.5% more
Utilities1081123.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Boston, MA
State Income Tax3.07%9.00% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Boston outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Boston38
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Boston51°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philadelphia or Boston cheaper to live in?+
Philadelphia is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 56.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $1,100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Boston?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Philadelphia to Boston?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 compared to $98,000 in Boston. 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 Philadelphia vs Boston?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $420,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.