salaryPhiladelphia is 5% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Philadelphia to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,112
$1,814
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$1,623
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$66,816
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$243,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
102.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$2,003
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$112
👥 People living there
666,442
1,579,706
Commute to work
30.3 min
31.7 min
College degree
54.9%
35.4%
Own their home
35.7%
51.8%
Below poverty line
16.6%
21.4%
Unemployment
6.1%
8.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
- Pick Philadelphia for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $96,760 | $74,860 | -23% in Philadelphia |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | $79,420 | -22% in Philadelphia |
| Software Developer | $166,090 | $133,040 | -20% in Philadelphia |
| Elementary School Teacher | $98,060 | $78,570 | -20% in Philadelphia |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $129,180 | $105,050 | -19% in Philadelphia |
| Carpenter | $75,210 | $61,780 | -18% in Philadelphia |
| HVAC Technician | $78,530 | $64,580 | -18% in Philadelphia |
| Restaurant Cook | $45,830 | $38,270 | -16% in Philadelphia |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Philadelphia is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,814 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Philadelphia to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $56,834 a year gives the same standard of living in Philadelphia.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Philadelphia?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $66,816 in Philadelphia, 57% more in Boston.