Cost Of Living In Philadelphia, PA: Live Big On A Small Budget

Moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and wondering how to stretch your dollar in the City of Brotherly Love? The cost of living in Philly can feel like a cheesesteak-sized challenge. Prices here are about 4.3% above the national average, and housing alone can increase your budget faster than a tourist at Pat’s or Geno’s. But fear not! Whether you’re a student crashing near Temple, a young professional eyeing Center City, or just dreaming of affordable Philly vibes, this ultimate 2025 guide cracks the code on living large without emptying your wallet. From cheap rent to scoring free fun, we’ve got the hacks to make the cost of living in Philadelphia feel like a walk through Rittenhouse Square, breezy, bold, and totally doable!

Average Cost of Living in Philadelphia

The average cost of living in Philadelphia is relatively affordable compared to other major East Coast cities like New York or Washington, D.C. On average, a single person can expect to spend around $1,200–$1,600 per month (excluding rent), while a family of four may require $4,000–$4,500 per month to cover basic expenses. Housing and transportation make up a large portion of these costs, but groceries, utilities, and entertainment are also important to budget for. The cost of living index in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is around 104, just slightly above the U.S. national average of 100, meaning it’s affordable compared to most major metro areas.

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Expense Category	Average Cost in Philadelphia	Comparison to U.S. National Average
Housing (Rent)	$1,200 – $1,800	10% below
Utilities	$180 – $250	8% cheaper
Groceries	$300 – $450	12% below
Transportation	$100 – $150	30% cheaper
Dining Out	$150 – $250	20% lower
Entertainment & Lifestyle	$120 – $200	15% cheaper
Healthcare/Insurance	$300 – $450	5% below

What Salary Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Philadelphia?

The cost of living in Philadelphia PA is lower than in many other large East Coast cities, but salaries still play a big role in determining how comfortably you can live here. According to financial experts, a single person generally needs to earn around $50,000 – $55,000 per year before taxes to cover rent, utilities, food, transportation, and personal expenses while still saving a little. For families, the comfortable range is closer to $80,000 – $90,000 annually, depending on lifestyle and housing choices.

This estimate is based on the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, which suggests spending about 50% of your income on essentials, 30% on discretionary expenses, and 20% on savings or debt repayment. Since the average living cost in Philadelphia PA is about 10–15% below the national average in categories like groceries and transport, residents often find their salaries stretch further than in cities like New York or Washington D.C.

Cost of Living in Philadelphia: Rent & Housing Costs

Housing is the biggest factor influencing the cost of living in Philly, and rental prices vary widely depending on the neighborhood and type of apartment. Students and young professionals often share apartments to cut down the overall cost to live in Philadelphia, while families prefer larger units in residential areas.

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Housing Type	Average Monthly Rent
Studio Apartment	$1,000 – $1,300
1-Bedroom Apartment	$1,200 – $1,800
2-Bedroom Apartment	$1,800 – $2,500
3-Bedroom Apartment	$2,500 – $3,500
Shared Apartment (per room)	$700 – $1,000

Cost of Living in Philly, PA: Rent by Neighborhood

The cost of living in Philadelphia PA, can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood you choose. From upscale areas with higher rents to student-friendly districts offering more affordable options, each part of Philly has its own price range and lifestyle appeal.

1. Center City – The most premium area with modern apartments and high-rise living. Average rent for a 1-bedroom is around $2,200 – $2,800 per month.

2. University City – Popular with students due to proximity to UPenn and Drexel. Average rent is about $3,000 – $3,200 per month for newer complexes, though shared student housing is much cheaper.

3. Fishtown – Trendy, artsy, and a hub for food and nightlife. A 1-bedroom averages $1,800 – $2,300 per month.

4. Northern Liberties – Known for its nightlife and modern apartments. Expect to pay around $1,900 – $2,400 per month for a 1-bedroom.

5. Manayunk – Student-friendly with affordable row houses and apartments. Average rent is about $2,200 – $2,300 per month, but shared spaces are much cheaper.

6. South Philadelphia – More residential and family-oriented. Median rent is around $1,800 – $1,900 per month for a 1-bedroom.

7. West Philadelphia – A mix of student housing and family neighborhoods. Rents average $1,400 – $1,900 per month.

Tip: To lower the cost of living in Philly, consider student-friendly and safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia like University City, Manayunk, or South Philadelphia, where rents are 20–30% cheaper than in Center City. You can also use amber to find verified and budget-friendly student accommodations.

Cost of Living in Philadelphia PA: Utilities Cost

Utilities are a major part of the overall living cost in Philadelphia residents face each month. Bills remain fairly close to the national average, but they rise during extreme winters and summers.

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Utility Category	Average Monthly Cost in Philadelphia
Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water & Garbage	$150 – $200 (single), $250 – $300 (households)
Internet (60 Mbps+ Unlimited Data)	$60 – $80
Mobile Phone Plan	$40 – $60
Total Utilities	$200 – $250 (singles), $300 – $400 (families)

Tip: To keep utility bills low, consider energy-efficient apartments and shared housing. Many student accommodations are available through amber, which bundles utilities like internet, heating, and water into the rent, making monthly budgeting much easier.

Cost of Living in Philadelphia PA: Transportation Costs

Transportation is a key part of Philadelphia living expenses, especially for students and professionals commuting daily. The good news is that Philadelphia has a reliable SEPTA network of buses, trolleys, and subways, making it easy and affordable to get around without owning a car.

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Transportation Mode	Average Monthly Cost
SEPTA Monthly Pass	$100 – $120
Gasoline (per gallon)	$3.50 – $4.00
Car Ownership	$400 – $600
Rideshare/Taxi	$80 – $150
Cycling (Indego bike share pass)	$20 – $30

Tip: University students at major universities like the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), Drexel University, Temple University, and La Salle University can save on the Philadelphia Pennsylvania cost of living by using student-discounted SEPTA passes, carpooling, or choosing student housing through amber that’s within walking or biking distance of campus.

Cost of Living in Philadelphia PA: Groceries & Food

Food is an essential part of the Philadelphia price of living, and students or professionals should budget for both groceries and dining out. While Philadelphia is known for its cheesesteaks and food scene, the actual cost of groceries is slightly below the national average. This makes the overall Philly cost of living more affordable compared to other big cities in the United States.

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Category	Average Monthly Cost
Groceries (single person)	$300 – $450
Groceries (family of four)	$800 – $1,000
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal	$15 – $20
Mid-Range Restaurant (3-course for two)	$65 – $90
Coffee (cappuccino)	$4 – $6
Fast Food Combo	$10 – $12

Tip: Save money by shopping at affordable grocery chains such as Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart. Weekly farmers’ markets also provide fresh produce at lower prices.

Cost of Living in Philadelphia PA: Entertainment & Lifestyle

Leisure and lifestyle expenses are an important part of the Philly cost of living, especially for students and young professionals who want to enjoy the city beyond just academics or work.

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Category	Average Cost
Movie ticket	$13 – $16
Gym membership	$40 – $70
Night out (bar/club)	$40 – $60
Concert ticket	$50 – $100
Cultural activities	$15 – $25
Sports events	$60 – $120

Tip: Students can often find affordable entertainment through free concerts, discounted museum days, and student offers at gyms. Outdoor options like Fairmount Park or events at Penn’s Landing also provide low-cost activities that make the Philly cost of living more manageable.

Cost of Living in Philadelphia PA: Healthcare & Insurance

Healthcare is another major factor in the overall cost of living in Philly. Medical services in the U.S. can be expensive, and insurance is often necessary to keep costs under control. For students, universities like Temple, Drexel, and the University of Pennsylvania usually offer health insurance plans, while professionals may get coverage through employers.

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Category	Average Cost
Health insurance (single person)	$300 – $450
Doctor’s visit (without insurance)	$100 – $150
Specialist visit	$150 – $250
Prescription medication	$50 – $100
Dental check-up	$75 – $150

Tip: If you’re an international student or young professional, always opt for health insurance to avoid large unexpected costs. Out-of-pocket medical bills without insurance can quickly increase monthly living expenses in Philadelphia, so budgeting for this category is essential.

Cost of Living in Philadelphia PA: Miscellaneous Expenses

Beyond housing, utilities, and food, everyday personal expenses also shape the Philadelphia price of living. These include clothing, personal care, and leisure activities, which may vary depending on lifestyle. Factoring in these costs gives a more complete picture of the overall Philly cost of living.

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Expense Category	Average Cost
Pair of jeans	$45 – $65
Summer dress	$40 – $55
Running shoes	$80 – $120
Men’s leather shoes	$110 – $150
Haircut (men’s)	$25 – $35
Haircut & styling (women’s)	$60 – $100
Personal care items	$40 – $70
Gym clothing	$50 – $80

Tip: For budget-conscious students, shopping at discount outlets like Ross, Marshalls, or Target can bring clothing and personal care costs down significantly. Many student-friendly neighborhoods also have affordable local salons, which help keep the Philly cost of living more manageable.

Cost of Living in Philadelphia Compared to Other Cities

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City	Average Monthly Cost (Excl. Rent, Single Person)	Comparison to Philadelphia
Philadelphia	$1,200 – $1,600	Baseline
New York City	$1,600 – $2,200	30–35% more expensive
Washington, D.C.	$1,500 – $2,000	25% higher
Boston	$1,500 – $2,000	20–25% higher
Chicago	$1,300 – $1,700	5–10% more
Houston	$1,100 – $1,400	10–15% cheaper
Atlanta	$1,100 – $1,400	Lower

The cost of living in Philadelphia is 10–30% lower than in cities like New York, D.C., or Boston, while being slightly higher than Southern cities like Houston or Atlanta. For students and professionals, this makes Philadelphia a smart middle ground, affordable without sacrificing cultural and academic opportunities.

Thinking of Moving to Philly? Get the Best Affordable Housing with amber:

If you’re planning a move to Philadelphia, finding the right place to live is one of the biggest steps in managing your budget. With the city’s diverse neighborhoods and varying rental prices, choosing cheap apartments for rent in Philadelphia can make a big difference in the overall cost of living. Here are some of the options for budget-friendly student housing in Philadelphia, listed by amber, with rents ranging from $500 to $900/month:

1. Oxford Village, Philadelphia
2. University Village Temple, Philadelphia
3. The Legacy At Drexel Arms, Philadelphia
4. The Nest at 1324 North Broad, Philadelphia
5. The Eleanor At Walnut, Philadelphia

In conclusion, the cost of living Philadelphia single person falls between $1,200 – $1,600 per month (excluding rent), with a livable wage in Philadelphia estimated at $50,000 – $55,000 annually. Compared to other East Coast cities, Philadelphia stands out as a more affordable choice while still offering strong academic, cultural, and career opportunities. For students and young professionals, shared housing, student discounts, and platforms like amber make budgeting even easier. All in all, the cost of living in Philadelphia strikes the right balance, manageable, student-friendly, and full of possibilities.

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