salaryAbout the sameBased 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
$1,347
$1,814
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,153
$1,623
💵 Families earn per year
$43,073
$66,816
🔑 Buying a house
$83,900
$243,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.3
102.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,402
$2,003
⚡ Electric bill per month
$196
$112
👥 People living there
638,530
1,579,706
Commute to work
24.8 min
31.7 min
College degree
18.1%
35.4%
Own their home
50.3%
51.8%
Below poverty line
32.7%
21.4%
Unemployment
14%
8.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Detroit for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Philadelphia for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Detroit | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $134,980 | $170,660 | +26% in Philadelphia |
| Firefighter | $62,730 | $78,050 | +24% in Philadelphia |
| Elementary School Teacher | $65,210 | $78,570 | +20% in Philadelphia |
| Dental Hygienist | $84,480 | $100,820 | +19% in Philadelphia |
| Operations Manager | $104,010 | $121,630 | +17% in Philadelphia |
| Medical Assistant | $39,410 | $45,890 | +16% in Philadelphia |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,900 | $46,220 | +16% in Philadelphia |
| Police Officer | $78,450 | $89,580 | +14% in Philadelphia |
Frequently asked questions
Is Detroit or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Detroit and Philadelphia cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Philadelphia to match $60,000 in Detroit?
About $61,350 a year gives the same standard of living in Philadelphia.
Where do people earn more, Detroit or Philadelphia?
The typical household earns $43,073 in Detroit and $66,816 in Philadelphia, 36% more in Philadelphia.