Denver vs Philadelphia: cost of living compared
Philadelphia is 12% cheaper than Denver overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA vs 4.4% in CO.
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
Comparing the overall cost of living, Denver is noticeably more expensive than Philadelphia. This difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are significantly higher in Denver. While some other categories show differences, the substantial gap in housing is the main factor contributing to Denver's higher overall expenses compared to Philadelphia.
Housing
Housing in Denver, whether buying or renting, is considerably more expensive than in Philadelphia. Median home prices in Denver are much higher, and a one-bedroom rental also commands a significantly greater monthly cost. Philadelphia offers more affordable housing options, often with a mix of historic and modern structures, while Denver's housing market is more competitive and costly.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for food and healthcare are roughly similar between both cities. However, transportation costs are higher in Philadelphia, while utilities are slightly more expensive there as well. Denver has a higher state income tax rate. These factors mean that while housing is a major differentiator, other routine spending categories also contribute to the overall budget picture.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Denver's climate is characterized by many sunny days and a drier atmosphere, with proximity to mountains offering abundant outdoor activities. Philadelphia experiences a more humid, four-season climate with a denser, historic urban core and extensive public transit. Commute times are generally shorter in Denver, while Philadelphia's average commute is somewhat longer, reflecting different urban layouts and transportation patterns.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the most significant financial impact will likely be housing costs, which are substantially higher in Denver. While Philadelphia has higher transportation expenses and a slightly longer average commute, its much more affordable housing market and lower state income tax rate could lead to a more favorable overall household budget compared to Denver.
| Measure | Denver, CO | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 112 |
| Housing index | 146 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 120 |
| Food index | 105 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 105 |
| Misc index | 108 | 102 |
| Median home price | $548,000 | $298,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,950/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 28 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.