North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Philadelphia
The average cost of living in Philadelphia, United States is $2,093 per month for a single person, and $5,321 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,927 per month. The local average net salary is $4,505 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 47.6 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $2,093 / month
- Family of 4
- $5,321 / mo
- Student
- $1,238 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Philadelphia
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$4,504.65 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Philadelphia | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Philadelphia | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Philadelphia | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Philadelphia | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Philadelphia | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Philadelphia | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Philadelphia | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Philadelphia | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Philadelphia | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Philadelphia | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Philadelphia FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Philadelphia. |
Rent & Property Prices in Philadelphia
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,927 | $1,675 – $2,380 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,332 | $1,100 – $1,600 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $3,705 | $2,600 – $5,370 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $2,248 | $1,800 – $3,500 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $4,086 | $2,932 – $4,230 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $1,857 | $1,720 – $2,476 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,927$1,675 – $2,380
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,332$1,100 – $1,600
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $3,705$2,600 – $5,370
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $2,248$1,800 – $3,500
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $4,086$2,932 – $4,230
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $1,857$1,720 – $2,476
Grocery Prices in Philadelphia
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.45 | $1.06 – $1.85 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $4.35 | $2.50 – $6.61 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $8.92 | $4.77 – $18 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $4.96 | $2.99 – $9.99 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $14 | $8.80 – $44 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $14 | $7.91 – $18 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $19 | $11 – $33 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $6.00 | $4.39 – $8.82 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $2.07 | $1.30 – $5.27 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $4.84 | $2.20 – $13 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $5.91 | $1.96 – $11 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.97 | $0.66 – $5.49 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $2.99 | $1.96 – $4.41 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.44 | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $2.49 | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $15 | $12 – $25 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.26 | $1.43 – $3.93 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $4.37 | $2.00 – $6.00 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $13 | $12 – $18 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.45$1.06 – $1.85
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $4.35$2.50 – $6.61
- White Rice (1 kg) $8.92$4.77 – $18
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $4.96$2.99 – $9.99
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $14$8.80 – $44
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $14$7.91 – $18
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $19$11 – $33
- Apples (1 kg) $6.00$4.39 – $8.82
- Bananas (1 kg) $2.07$1.30 – $5.27
- Oranges (1 kg) $4.84$2.20 – $13
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $5.91$1.96 – $11
- Potatoes (1 kg) $2.97$0.66 – $5.49
- Onions (1 kg) $2.99$1.96 – $4.41
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.44$1.00 – $3.00
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $2.49$1.00 – $3.00
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $15$12 – $25
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.26$1.43 – $3.93
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $4.37$2.00 – $6.00
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $13$12 – $18
Public Transport & Car Costs in Philadelphia
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.90 | $2.50 – $4.00 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $97 | $96 – $140 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $2.85 | $2.70 – $4.00 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.56 | $1.56 – $3.11 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $24 | $24 – $24 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.89 | $0.79 – $1.19 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $36,446 | $26,000 – $37,260 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $25,824 | $25,368 – $26,590 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $2.90$2.50 – $4.00
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $97$96 – $140
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $2.85$2.70 – $4.00
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.56$1.56 – $3.11
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $24$24 – $24
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.89$0.79 – $1.19
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $36,446$26,000 – $37,260
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $25,824$25,368 – $26,590
Utility & Internet Costs in Philadelphia
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $239 | $155 – $339 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $66 | $35 – $89 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $75 | $50 – $100 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $239$155 – $339
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $66$35 – $89
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $75$50 – $100
Childcare & Preschool in Philadelphia
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $2,150 | $1,700 – $2,817 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $42,124 | $30,815 – $50,750 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $2,150$1,700 – $2,817
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $42,124$30,815 – $50,750
Clothing Prices in Philadelphia
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $49 | $30 – $90 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $47 | $25 – $65 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $97 | $65 – $125 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $135 | $80 – $300 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $49$30 – $90
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $47$25 – $65
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $97$65 – $125
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $135$80 – $300
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Philadelphia
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $70 | $30 – $125 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $90 | $42 – $110 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $15 | $13 – $20 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $70$30 – $125
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $90$42 – $110
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $15$13 – $20
Restaurant Prices in Philadelphia
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $21 | $15 – $35 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $80 | $65 – $120 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $13 | $10 – $15 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $6.00 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $7.00 | $5.00 – $10 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.21 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.94 | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.13 | $1.69 – $3.00 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $21$15 – $35
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $80$65 – $120
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $13$10 – $15
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $6.00$4.00 – $8.00
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $7.00$5.00 – $10
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.21$4.00 – $7.00
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.94$2.00 – $4.00
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.13$1.69 – $3.00
Salaries & Mortgages in Philadelphia
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,505 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.48% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $4,505
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.48%
Compare Philadelphia with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
United States
Nashville
Monthly / 1 person
$2,096
vs NYC
47.6/100
United States
Ann-Arbor
Monthly / 1 person
$2,077
vs NYC
47.2/100
United States
Fort-Worth
Monthly / 1 person
$2,064
vs NYC
46.9/100
United States
Las-Vegas
Monthly / 1 person
$2,063
vs NYC
46.9/100
United States
Reno
Monthly / 1 person
$2,126
vs NYC
48.3/100
United States
Madison
Monthly / 1 person
$2,135
vs NYC
48.5/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Philadelphia?
- An estimated $2,093 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Philadelphia. A family of four needs around $5,321 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,238.
- How much money do I need to live in Philadelphia?
- Plan for at least $2,093 per month as a single person, $5,321 per month for a family of four, or $1,238 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Philadelphia.
- What is the average rent in Philadelphia?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Philadelphia rents for around $1,927 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $3,705 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Philadelphia?
- The average monthly net salary in Philadelphia is around $4,505. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 43% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Philadelphia?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Philadelphia costs around $21. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $117 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.45/L) and bread ($4.35/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Philadelphia?
- A monthly public transport pass in Philadelphia costs around $97. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Philadelphia?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Philadelphia costs around $75 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.