Philadelphia vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 4% cheaper than Philadelphia overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA vs 4.65% in UT.
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 overall expenses, Salt Lake City generally presents a slightly more affordable cost of living than Philadelphia. This difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are significantly higher in Salt Lake City, while other categories tend to balance out. Transportation, food, and healthcare expenses also play a role in the overall picture, with noticeable differences between the two metros.
Housing
Housing costs present a stark contrast. Philadelphia's housing index is below the national average, with median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents being considerably lower than in Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City's housing market is notably more expensive, with median home prices significantly higher, though one-bedroom rents are roughly similar. Philadelphia offers a mix of historic rowhouses and urban apartments, while Salt Lake City features more modern developments and suburban homes.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary across categories. Salt Lake City generally has lower costs for food, healthcare, utilities, and miscellaneous goods and services compared to Philadelphia. However, Philadelphia boasts a lower state income tax rate. Transportation costs are noticeably higher in Philadelphia, while Salt Lake City's transportation expenses are below the national average, making daily commuting and errands potentially more affordable there.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences are pronounced. Philadelphia, a historic East Coast city, offers a dense urban environment with extensive public transit and a humid continental climate featuring distinct seasons. Salt Lake City, nestled in the Intermountain West, provides a drier, four-season climate with a focus on outdoor activities and a more car-dependent culture, though it has a growing public transit system. Both offer cultural attractions, but their character differs greatly.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the impact on a household budget depends heavily on housing choices. Philadelphia offers significantly more affordable homeownership, which can offset its higher costs in other areas like transportation and state income tax. Salt Lake City, despite its higher housing prices, presents savings in many everyday categories. A household's priorities regarding housing type, commute, and climate will strongly influence which metro offers a better financial fit.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 112 | 108 |
| Housing index | 91 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 120 | 89 |
| Food index | 105 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 95 |
| Misc index | 102 | 95 |
| Median home price | $298,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 24 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Salt Lake City home with the True Cost Calculator.