Cost of Living in Philadelphia, PA
Population 1,582,432 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Philadelphia is among the largest cities in Pennsylvania by population, with the kind of employment diversity and housing variation that comes with a major regional hub. At 8.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Philadelphia
The median home value in Philadelphia is $232,400 — 24% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,323/month, 1% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,698/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 65.6°F and lows of 47.2°F. Overall, Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 86 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 42 | 45 | 53 | 65 | 75 | 83 | 88 | 86 | 79 | 68 | 57 | 47 |
| Low °F | 27 | 28 | 35 | 44 | 54 | 64 | 69 | 68 | 60 | 48 | 38 | 31 |
| Precip" | 3.34 | 2.57 | 3.96 | 3.77 | 3.61 | 3.87 | 4.32 | 4.22 | 4.52 | 3.63 | 3.19 | 4.00 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA?
Philadelphia has a cost index of 86 (100 = national average). It is 14% below the national average.
What is average rent in Philadelphia, PA?
The median gross rent in Philadelphia is $1,323 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Philadelphia?
The median home value in Philadelphia is $232,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Philadelphia?
The median household income in Philadelphia is $60,698 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Philadelphia, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Philadelphia is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Philadelphia, PA affordable?
Yes, Philadelphia is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 86 — about 14% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has average high temperatures of 65.6°F and average lows of 47.2°F. Annual precipitation is 45". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Philadelphia at a Glance
- Population
- 1,582,432
- Median Income
- $60,698
- Home Value
- $232,400
- Median Rent
- $1,323/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 65.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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