Cost of Living in Philadelphia

United States

Monthly budget (single)

$2,277–$3,605/month

$2,277 – $3,605 (local currency)

Overall 7.0Safety 9.7Housing 4.3Quality of life 7.6

Last updated: 2026-03

Can you afford to live in Philadelphia?

Enter your monthly take-home in USD. We compare it to typical budgets for your household size (estimates, not financial advice).

Cost breakdown

CategoryUSDLocal currency
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,708–$2,656$1,708 – $2,656
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$901–$1,423$901 – $1,423
Utilities (electricity, heating, water)$71–$138$71 – $138
Internet & Mobile$28–$47$28 – $47
Groceries (monthly)$361–$541$361 – $541
Eating out (per meal, mid-range)$47–$85$47 – $85
Coffee$4–$6$4 – $6
Public transport (monthly pass)$90–$109$90 – $109
Gym membership$33–$62$33 – $62
Cinema ticket$13–$17$13 – $17

Budget scenarios

Single

$2,277–$3,605/mo USD

$2,277 – $3,605

Top expenses

  • Rent (1-bed center): ~$2,656/mo
  • Groceries: ~$541/mo
  • Transport: ~$109/mo

Couple

$3,605–$5,503/mo USD

$3,605 – $5,503

Top expenses

  • Rent (1-bed center): ~$2,656/mo
  • Groceries: ~$541/mo
  • Transport: ~$109/mo

Family

$5,218–$8,064/mo USD

$5,218 – $8,064

Top expenses

  • Rent (1-bed center): ~$2,656/mo
  • Groceries: ~$541/mo
  • Transport: ~$109/mo

Neighbourhood guide

Philadelphia Center

Central

Urban core, transit access

Est. 1-bed rent: $2,135–$3,320/mo ($2,135 – $3,320)

Philadelphia Midtown

Central

Mixed residential

Est. 1-bed rent: $1,879–$2,922/mo ($1,879 – $2,922)

Philadelphia Outer

Suburban

Quieter, family-friendly

Est. 1-bed rent: $1,366–$2,125/mo ($1,366 – $2,125)

Quality of life scores

Housing4.3/10
Safety9.7/10
Healthcare8.0/10
Education7.6/10
Environment8.4/10
Economy6.7/10
Culture7.3/10
Internet7.7/10

Pros & cons

✅ Pros

  • • History
  • • Value vs NYC
  • • Universities

❌ Cons

  • • Taxes
  • • School variance

Similar cities & cheaper alternatives

Cheaper alternatives

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Estimates are for comparison only and do not constitute financial advice. Sources include our internal dataset and periodic third-party index updates.