🇺🇸 New York vs 🇺🇸 Philadelphia
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
New York
United States
$3,077–$4,872/mo
$3,077 – $4,872 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Philadelphia
United States
$2,277–$3,605/mo
$2,277 – $3,605 / month (local)
New York is 35% more expensive
Philadelphia wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | New York (USD) | Philadelphia (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,308–$3,590 | $1,708–$2,656 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,218–$1,923 | $901–$1,423 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Utilities | $96–$186 | $71–$138 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Groceries | $487–$731 | $361–$541 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $64–$115 | $47–$85 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Public transport (monthly) | $122–$147 | $90–$109 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Internet & Mobile | $38–$64 | $28–$47 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Gym membership | $45–$83 | $33–$62 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Cinema ticket | $18–$23 | $13–$17 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Monthly total (single) | $3,077–$4,872 | $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
Housing2.7 / 10 · 4.3 / 10
New York
Philadelphia▲ better
Safety8.2 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
New York
Philadelphia▲ better
Healthcare8.2 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
New York▲ better
Philadelphia
Education7.8 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
New York▲ better
Philadelphia
Environment8.6 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
New York▲ better
Philadelphia
Economy6.9 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
New York▲ better
Philadelphia
Culture7.5 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
New York▲ better
Philadelphia
Internet7.9 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
New York▲ better
Philadelphia
Who should choose which city?
Choose New York if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what New York offers vs Philadelphia
- ✓Career opportunities
- ✓Culture
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than New York
- ✓History
- ✓Value vs NYC
- ✓Universities
- ✓Healthcare
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📊
Full New York guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore New York →📊
Full Philadelphia guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Philadelphia →