Cost of Living: New York vs Philadelphia (2026)

New York vs Philadelphia cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Philadelphia is about 9% less expensive than New York overall — $100,000 in New York is worth about $91,108 in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia is about 9% less expensive than New York overall — $100,000 in New York is worth about $91,108 in Philadelphia.

New York vs Philadelphia: the numbers

MetricNew YorkPhiladelphiaDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)113103-9%
Median rent$1,779$1,323-26%
Median home value$751,700$232,400-69%
Median household income$79,713$60,698-24%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in New York has the same buying power as about $91,108 in Philadelphia. Going the other way, $100,000 in Philadelphia is like $109,760 in New York.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between New York and Philadelphia.

Compare any salary: New York vs Philadelphia

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

New York is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 113 vs 103 — a 9% difference. Your money goes further in Philadelphia.

About $91,108 — that's what you'd need in Philadelphia to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in New York.