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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Washington, DC

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

20.4% Washington, DC is more expensive overall
47.3% 47.3% more expensive housing
1.9% 1.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 47.3% more
Philadelphia
110
Washington
162
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Philadelphia
106
Washington
108
🚗 Transportation 8.9% more
Philadelphia
112
Washington
122
🏥 Healthcare 4.8% more
Philadelphia
105
Washington
110
⚡ Utilities 2.8% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Washington
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Washington, DC Difference
Overall Cost Index10813020.4% more
Housing11016247.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$2,20046.7% more
Median Home Price$280,000$620,000121.4% more
Groceries106108~Same
Transportation1121228.9% more
Healthcare1051104.8% more
Utilities1081052.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Washington, DC
State Income Tax3.07%10.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
Washington, DC
$105,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Washington outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Washington (130). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Washington4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Washington2.4%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Washington34 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Washington77
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Washington42
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Washington57°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Washington689,545

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philadelphia or Washington cheaper to live in?+
Philadelphia is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 47.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Washington?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $2,200/month in Washington — a difference of about $700 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Washington?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) 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 Philadelphia to Washington?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 compared to $105,000 in Washington. 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 Washington?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $620,000 in Washington — a difference of $340,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while District of Columbia averages 0.56%.