salaryPhiladelphia is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Washington to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,814
$2,370
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,623
$2,192
💵 Families earn per year
$66,816
$118,495
🔑 Buying a house
$243,100
$737,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
102.6
108.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,003
$4,312
⚡ Electric bill per month
$112
$96
👥 People living there
1,579,706
681,294
Commute to work
31.7 min
30 min
College degree
35.4%
64.2%
Own their home
51.8%
41.5%
Below poverty line
21.4%
15.4%
Unemployment
8.1%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Philadelphia for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Washington for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Philadelphia | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operations Manager | $121,630 | $156,460 | +29% in Washington |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $36,570 | $46,040 | +26% in Washington |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $105,050 | $127,040 | +21% in Washington |
| Accountant | $85,990 | $102,140 | +19% in Washington |
| Dental Hygienist | $100,820 | $119,170 | +18% in Washington |
| Software Developer | $133,040 | $154,930 | +16% in Washington |
| Lawyer | $170,660 | $195,190 | +14% in Washington |
| Firefighter | $78,050 | $66,980 | -14% in Washington |
Frequently asked questions
Is Philadelphia or Washington cheaper to live in?
Philadelphia is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,814 a month there versus $2,370 in Washington.
What salary do I need in Washington to match $60,000 in Philadelphia?
About $63,703 a year gives the same standard of living in Washington.
Where do people earn more, Philadelphia or Washington?
The typical household earns $66,816 in Philadelphia and $118,495 in Washington, 44% more in Washington.
More comparisons
All Philadelphia comparisons → · All Washington comparisons →