Cost of Living in Philadelphia, PA [2024]

Whether you're strolling through the historic streets of Old City, enjoying a cheesesteak in South Philly, or exploring the thriving arts scene in Fishtown, you're at risk of falling in love with Philadelphia. Fondly known as the "City of Brotherly Love," the city's spirit is embodied by its diverse and welcoming residents, who are known for their resilience, friendliness, and a deep sense of pride in their hometown.

Philly's streets buzz with energy, whether it's through impromptu performances in Rittenhouse Square, lively discussions in coffee shops, or the vibrant murals that adorn many city walls, adding a splash of color and creativity to everyday life.

Philadelphia is also a haven for sports enthusiasts, home to passionate fans and iconic teams like the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, and Flyers. The city’s sports culture is more than just about the games; it's a unifying force that brings people from all walks of life together. Philadelphia invites you to be part of its ever-evolving story.

If you're considering a move to Philadelphia, make sure you build an accurate budget first!

We've got you covered. This guide will break down the cost of living in Philadelphia for anyone considering the move.

Cost of Living in Philadelphia

How Much Is Rent in Philadelphia, PA?

For most, moving to Philadelphia doesn't break the bank. Despite being one of the most populous cities in the nation, Philadelphia boasts a lower cost of living than other comparable cities. In fact, Philadelphia's median rent rate is less than half of San Francisco's. Rent prices in the city have also decreased in the last year. Our Philadelphia rent report shows a 1.3% decrease since last year.

Making your move before rent prices rebound might be enough to get you a substantial deal on a great apartment.

As a historic city, Philadelphia offers renters a plethora of options for to choosing a home. Select an apartment in one of the high-rises that make up the city skyline or find a converted unit in a historic building. The options are endless!

Learn about how to find an apartment in Philadelphia and which neighborhood is right for you!

How Much Is Rent for a 1-Bedroom in Philadelphia, PA?

With one-bedroom apartments sitting at a median rent price of $1,123, Philadelphia offers a substantial bang for your buck.

How Much Is Rent for a 2-Bedroom in Philadelphia, PA?

If you need a bit more space, you can splurge on a two-bedroom unit in Philadelphia for a median rate of $1,308, a very competitive rate for city living.

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Philadelphia, PA?

Using the 50-30-20 rule of budgeting, to afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Philadelphia, PA at a median rate of $1,123, you would need to make $3,743.33 a month, or $44,812 a year. Additionally, according to MIT's Living Wage calculator, a single adult would need to earn $17.35 an hour to live in Philly.

How Much Are Utilities in Philadelphia, PA?

Philadelphia residents' utility bills are generally higher than the national average, which is currently $253.14 a month. The average utility bill for a Philadelphia resident is $280.88, which includes gas, electricity, and water.

However, this does not include the cost of internet or cell phone service. It can be difficult to estimate your utility bill because many costs are location and carrier-specific. That said, the average monthly cost of internet service in Philadelphia sits at $67.19 monthly.

Philadelphia experiences a full four seasons. These usually consist of a mild spring and fall season, hot summers, and cold winters. The weather will have an impact on your utility bill, so it's important to seek out energy-efficient apartment units to save on your utility bill.

How Much Is Child Care in Philadelphia, PA?

Typical child care costs in Philadelphia are slightly higher than the rest of the state. The annual cost to raise two children in Philadelphia is $23,389 according to MIT, while it's $19,064 for the state as a whole.

How Much Is Transportation in Philadelphia, PA?

According to MIT's Living Wage Calculator, the average single adult Philadelphia resident spends $4,470 on transportation annually. For a family of four with two kids, that turns into $11,821.

Major cities tend to be hit-or-miss when it comes to public transportation options. Fortunately, Philadelphia hit the mark for public transportation. Residents can choose from buses or rail to get to where they need to go.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is responsible for providing transportation throughout the city. If you're looking to save on your commute cost, choose a weekly pass over a single daily pass. A one-day convenience pass costs $9, while a weekly pass costs $25.50.

However, if you prefer a more frugal approach, you can save up to 75% by choosing a monthly public transportation pass for $96. With that, you’ll spend just around $1,152 on the year.

If you're lucky, you might be able to walk everywhere! The city is highly walkable and bike-able, for that matter!

How Much Are Food Costs in Philadelphia, PA?

The average Philadelphia resident spends $4,559 on groceries annually. However, for a family of four, with two adults and two children, this expense increases to a whopping $13,429 yearly. If you go out to eat, expect to pay $70 for a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant and a standard 15% tip. For an inexpensive meal, you'll spend $20.

Late nights at work, lack of time, and busy days contribute to grabbing a meal at a local eatery, such as Reading Terminal Market, which is Philadelphia’s indoor farmers market. It’s one of the oldest and largest public markets in the US. Pair. With Philadelphia's delectable food options, it's not surprising that many residents eat out regularly.

How Much Are Healthcare Costs in Philadelphia?

In Philadelphia, the annual medical costs for an individual and family of four are $3,178 and $9,437, respectively. There are also low-to-no-cost healthcare options in Philadelphia. These city health centers offer fee programs based on income and family size to ensure affordable service for all. If you need help enrolling in a health insurance plan, you can do it in-person at any city health center location.

Healthcare.gov offers a look at different plan options available. You can search through options including low-cost, single member, and family plans to help you find the best match. The site also provides essential data and tools, including open-enrollment dates and how to report a move to ensure that you don't lose coverage.

Fitness and Entertainment

Philadelphia residents enjoy numerous options when it comes to fitness and entertainment. Residents can take a stroll through the city center and view some of the gorgeous architectural works and freestanding art monuments.

Fitness lovers can head out on the town to enjoy a run through one of the city's many parks or break a sweat at a local gym. In short, there are tons of fitness and entertainment opportunities in Philadelphia. Here's a breakdown of a few of those options and how they’ll affect your budget.

Philadelphia Fitness Options

For a fitness buff who wants a basic gym set up with few to no amenities, expect to pay $37.22 per month on average. However, if you enjoy amenities such as an indoor pool, sports court access, or a sauna, you'll likely have to shell out a lot more.

However, if you're low-maintenance and looking for a way to stay fit at home, many gyms offer digital memberships, which typically include live classes and workouts. These memberships generally cost less than in-person gym access, so it could be a great way to save.

If frugal fitness is your jam, the Nike Training Club app offers free standalone workouts and full-on training plans.

How Much Are Phillies Tickets?

Philadelphia enjoys the rare status of a city represented by a sports team in each of the four major professional US sports leagues. Here are the average ticket costs for each sports team to help you plan your game day budget.

• Philadelphia 76ers: $266 (as low as $20)
• Philadelphia Flyers: $146 (as low as $28)
• Philadelphia Eagles: $323 (as low as $90)
• Philadelphia Phillies: $145 (as low as $37)

If you want to save big, buy tickets well in advance, eat before you go to the venue, and try to find seats that’ll let you see the action without spending an exorbitant amount!

Parks in Philadelphia, PA

One great thing about public parks is that they’re a free form of entertainment and recreation. When you live in a city like Philadelphia, you learn to appreciate the vast wonderland of the public park system.

To start, head out to Fairmount Park, the city's biggest park system. It consists of two major parks divided into East and West sections, covering 2,052 acres of land. The massive park is home a plethora of art pieces, historic houses, trails, waterfront access, woodland, and more. In the summer, you can even catch an outdoor concert at the concert venue.

Grab your bike, lace up your sneakers, or even strap on a pair of roller skates to enjoy the miles of scenic trails offered to residents.

Other Expenses to Consider in Philadelphia

Building a comprehensive budget means including the costs that people often overlook or are hard to anticipate when moving to a new city. These so-called hidden costs can make or break your budget, so it's essential to plan ahead.

Philadelphia has its share of hidden costs to consider. Here are a few:

• Income Tax: Residents have both a local income tax rate from the state and city. The statewide income tax rate is 3.07% + the citywide income tax rate of 3.8712% for residents. If you’re moving from another state with no income tax, this will greatly impact your tax home salary.
• Sales Tax: Philadelphia tacks on a city-wide sales tax in addition to the state sales tax rate. In total, city residents pay 8% in sales tax.
• Parking Costs: If you're bringing a vehicle with you to Philadelphia, you'll have to add parking costs to your vehicle budget line. Parking within city limits can be a real hassle, and meter fees can add up, especially if you commute for work.

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Philadelphia?

When it comes to gauging a living wage, there are too many variables to develop a completely accurate number. Currently, MIT determines the living wage in Philadelphia is $17.87 an hour for the bare minimum necessities.

Instead of following the living wage number alone, it's best to follow the golden rule of budgeting—you should earn at least three times the price of your rent.

The logic behind this rule is straightforward. Housing costs are generally the biggest expense in a budget. Ensuring that you can cover the cost of rent three times over helps you build a solid financial foundation. Not to mention, you can use the rest of your income to cover your other financial responsibilities.

As a one-bedroom apartment in Philadelphia currently sits at $1,101, renters should earn a minimum of $3,670 per month before taxes to live comfortably. That translates to $44,040 before taxes or about $22.02 per hour.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Philadelphia is $52,649, making it comparable to comfortably renting a one-bedroom apartment.

Find Your Next Apartment in Philadelphia

Moving to Philadelphia is a great option if you're looking for a new beginning. However, if Philadelphia doesn't seem like the best Pennsylvania city for you, check out the best places to live in Pennsylvania for some more options!

Ready to start looking at apartments? Take our easy quiz to get matched with your favorite amenities in your ideal location and price point!

FAQs: Cost of Living in Philadelphia in 2023

How expensive is an apartment in Philadelphia?

The median cost of a 2-Bedroom apartment in Philadelphia is currently $1,308 according to Apartment List's Rent Report.

What is the cheapest rent in Philadelphia?

A one-bedroom apartment is the cheapest rent you can get in Philadelphia, with the median rent sitting at $1,099.

How expensive is it to live in Philadelphia?

Living in Philadelphia is relatively inexpensive. In Philadelphia, rent averages $1,099 for a one bedroom apartment. Transportation costs in Philadelphia amount to $4,244 a year. Food costs $3,891 a year on average for a single resident of Philadelphia.

What is the population of Philadelphia?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Philadelphia is 1,576,251.