🇺🇸 Boston vs 🇺🇸 Philadelphia
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Boston
United States
$2,923–$4,628/mo
$2,923 – $4,628 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Philadelphia
United States
$2,277–$3,605/mo
$2,277 – $3,605 / month (local)
Boston is 28% more expensive
Philadelphia wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Boston (USD) | Philadelphia (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,192–$3,410 | $1,708–$2,656 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,157–$1,827 | $901–$1,423 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Utilities | $91–$177 | $71–$138 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Groceries | $463–$694 | $361–$541 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $61–$110 | $47–$85 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Public transport (monthly) | $116–$140 | $90–$109 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Internet & Mobile | $37–$61 | $28–$47 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Gym membership | $43–$79 | $33–$62 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$22 | $13–$17 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,923–$4,628 | $2,277–$3,605 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing3.9 / 10 · 4.3 / 10
Boston
Philadelphia▲ better
Safety9.0 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Boston
Philadelphia▲ better
Healthcare9.0 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Boston▲ better
Philadelphia
Education8.6 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Boston▲ better
Philadelphia
Environment9.4 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Boston▲ better
Philadelphia
Economy7.7 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Boston▲ better
Philadelphia
Culture8.3 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Boston▲ better
Philadelphia
Internet8.7 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Boston▲ better
Philadelphia
Who should choose which city?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Boston offers vs Philadelphia
- ✓Universities
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓History
- ✓Students
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Boston
- ✓History
- ✓Value vs NYC
- ✓Universities
- ✓Healthcare
You might also like…
📊
Full Boston guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Boston →📊
Full Philadelphia guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Philadelphia →