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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

12.9% Philadelphia, PA is cheaper overall
29.5% 29.5% cheaper housing
1.9% 1.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 29.5% cheaper
Seattle
156
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Seattle
108
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation 5.1% cheaper
Seattle
118
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare 4.5% cheaper
Seattle
110
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities 18.7% more
Seattle
91
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index12410812.9% less
Housing15611029.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,50026.8% less
Median Home Price$780,000$280,00064.1% less
Groceries108106~Same
Transportation1181125.1% less
Healthcare1101054.5% less
Utilities9110818.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Philadelphia, PA
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.07%
State Sales Tax6.50%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Philadelphia (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Philadelphia1,603,797

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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 Seattle 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 29.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Philadelphia?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Philadelphia?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Philadelphia?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $500,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.