🇺🇸 Philadelphia vs 🇺🇸 Washington

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

Philadelphia

United States

$2,277–$3,605/mo

$2,277 – $3,605 / month (local)

🇺🇸

Washington

United States

$2,862–$4,531/mo

$2,862 – $4,531 / month (local)

Washington is 26% more expensive

Philadelphia wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryPhiladelphia (USD)Washington (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,708–$2,656$2,146–$3,338🟢 Philadelphia
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$901–$1,423$1,133–$1,788🟢 Philadelphia
Utilities$71–$138$89–$173🟢 Philadelphia
Groceries$361–$541$453–$680🟢 Philadelphia
Eating out (mid-range meal)$47–$85$60–$107🟢 Philadelphia
Public transport (monthly)$90–$109$113–$137🟢 Philadelphia
Internet & Mobile$28–$47$36–$60🟢 Philadelphia
Gym membership$33–$62$42–$78🟢 Philadelphia
Cinema ticket$13–$17$17–$21🟢 Philadelphia
Monthly total (single)$2,277–$3,605$2,862–$4,531🟢 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

Housing4.3 / 10 · 4.0 / 10
Philadelphia▲ better
Washington
Safety9.7 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Philadelphia▲ better
Washington
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Philadelphia
Washington▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Philadelphia
Washington▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Philadelphia
Washington▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Philadelphia
Washington▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Philadelphia
Washington▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Philadelphia
Washington▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Philadelphia if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than Washington
  • History
  • Value vs NYC
  • Universities
  • Healthcare

Choose Washington if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what Washington offers vs Philadelphia
  • Careers in policy
  • Museums
  • Transit
  • Government

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Full Philadelphia guide

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Full Washington guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Washington