salaryMadison 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
$1,723
$1,814
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,628
$1,623
💵 Families earn per year
$84,177
$66,816
🔑 Buying a house
$372,900
$243,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
97.3
102.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$6,541
$2,003
⚡ Electric bill per month
$120
$112
👥 People living there
278,001
1,579,706
Commute to work
19.4 min
31.7 min
College degree
59.9%
35.4%
Own their home
46%
51.8%
Below poverty line
16.4%
21.4%
Unemployment
2.7%
8.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Madison for lower rent, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 3 more.
- Pick Philadelphia for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Madison | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $56,430 | $78,050 | +38% in Philadelphia |
| Lawyer | $124,130 | $170,660 | +37% in Philadelphia |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,690 | $78,570 | +23% in Philadelphia |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $30,910 | $36,570 | +18% in Philadelphia |
| Market Research Analyst | $67,990 | $79,420 | +17% in Philadelphia |
| Plumber | $85,160 | $74,860 | -12% in Philadelphia |
| Police Officer | $80,580 | $89,580 | +11% in Philadelphia |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $64,550 | $70,710 | +10% in Philadelphia |
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Madison is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,723 a month there versus $1,814 in Philadelphia.
What salary do I need in Philadelphia to match $60,000 in Madison?
About $63,248 a year gives the same standard of living in Philadelphia.
Where do people earn more, Madison or Philadelphia?
The typical household earns $84,177 in Madison and $66,816 in Philadelphia, 26% more in Madison.