Boston vs Philadelphia: cost of living compared
Philadelphia is 31% cheaper than Boston overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA vs 5% in MA.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Boston presents a significantly higher overall cost of living compared to Philadelphia. The most substantial difference stems from housing expenses, which are dramatically more expensive in Boston for both renters and homeowners. While other categories like transportation, food, and healthcare also show Boston as pricier, the gap is not as wide, making housing the primary factor driving the overall budget disparity between these two East Coast cities.
Housing
Housing costs are a major differentiator. Buying a home in Boston typically requires a much larger investment than in Philadelphia, with median home prices showing a substantial gap. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Boston also costs considerably more, often nearly double Philadelphia's rates. While property taxes and insurance vary, the initial purchase price and monthly rent are noticeably higher in the Boston metro area, where housing stock often includes historic rowhouses and multi-family dwellings.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for food, healthcare, and utilities are somewhat higher in Boston, though not as dramatically as housing. Transportation costs are roughly similar between the two cities, with both offering robust public transit options. A notable difference for workers is the state income tax, which is higher in Massachusetts than in Pennsylvania. This means more of your earnings could go towards taxes in Boston, impacting your disposable income.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Both cities offer a rich historical backdrop and distinct urban experiences. Boston, known for its compact, walkable core and extensive public transportation network, often feels denser. Philadelphia, while also historic and walkable, tends to be more spread out. Both experience four distinct seasons, including cold winters and warm summers. Boston's average commute time is slightly shorter, but both metros have similar travel times for residents, indicating comparable daily mobility patterns.
Bottom line
Moving between Boston and Philadelphia will have a profound impact on your household budget, primarily due to housing. Philadelphia offers a much more affordable entry point for homeownership and significantly lower rental costs. While other daily expenses and transportation costs are closer, the substantial difference in housing and the state income tax rate mean that your money will generally stretch further in Philadelphia, allowing for a different financial lifestyle compared to Boston.
| Measure | Boston, MA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 162 | 112 |
| Housing index | 194 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 120 |
| Food index | 115 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 118 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 135 | 105 |
| Misc index | 122 | 102 |
| Median home price | $698,000 | $298,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $2,850/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 32 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Philadelphia home with the True Cost Calculator.