Side-by-side comparison

New York City vs Philadelphia

Cost of living comparison for New York City, New York and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Bottom line

New York City is approximately 57% more expensive than Philadelphia. A single person needs about $5,319/mo in New York City versus $3,382/mo in Philadelphia.

Rent in New York City vs Philadelphia

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

New York City · Studio

$2,406

Philadelphia · Studio

$1,372

New York City is $1,034 (75%) higher than Philadelphia

New York City · 1 bedroom

$2,511

Philadelphia · 1 bedroom

$1,512

New York City is $999 (66%) higher than Philadelphia

New York City · 2 bedroom

$2,780

Philadelphia · 2 bedroom

$1,802

New York City is $978 (54%) higher than Philadelphia

New York City · 3 bedroom

$3,465

Philadelphia · 3 bedroom

$2,171

New York City is $1,294 (60%) higher than Philadelphia

Income & earnings in New York City vs Philadelphia

Annual figures from Census ACS.

New York City · Household income

$104,553

Philadelphia · Household income

$60,698

New York City is $43,855 (72%) higher than Philadelphia

New York City · Individual earnings

$75,255

Philadelphia · Individual earnings

$42,478

New York City is $32,777 (77%) higher than Philadelphia

New York City · Per capita

$94,922

Philadelphia · Per capita

$37,669

New York City is $57,253 (152%) higher than Philadelphia

Home values in New York City vs Philadelphia

Average values and property tax.

New York City · Average home value

$1,108,900

Philadelphia · Average home value

$232,400

New York City is $876,500 (377%) higher than Philadelphia

New York City · Annual property tax

$10,001

Philadelphia · Annual property tax

$1,952

New York City is $8,049 (412%) higher than Philadelphia

Energy in New York City vs Philadelphia

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

New York City · Monthly electricity

$140

Philadelphia · Monthly electricity

$143

Philadelphia is $3 (2%) higher than New York City

New York City · Monthly gas

$68

Philadelphia · Monthly gas

$62

New York City is $6 (10%) higher than Philadelphia

New York City · Annual total

$2,496

Philadelphia · Annual total

$2,460

New York City is $36 (1%) higher than Philadelphia

Healthcare in New York City vs Philadelphia

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

New York City · Individual premium

$480

Philadelphia · Individual premium

$480

New York City and Philadelphia are about the same

New York City · Family premium

$1,350

Philadelphia · Family premium

$1,350

New York City and Philadelphia are about the same

New York City · Uninsured rate

4.3%

Philadelphia · Uninsured rate

7.2%

Philadelphia is 2.9% (67%) higher than New York City

Taxes in New York City vs Philadelphia

State income and sales tax.

New York City · State income tax

10.9%

Philadelphia · State income tax

3.1%

New York City is 7.8% (255%) higher than Philadelphia

New York City · State sales tax

4.0%

Philadelphia · State sales tax

6.0%

Philadelphia is 2.0% (50%) higher than New York City

New York City · Combined sales tax

8.5%

Philadelphia · Combined sales tax

6.3%

New York City is 2.2% (34%) higher than Philadelphia

Transportation in New York City vs Philadelphia

Commute time and travel modes.

New York City · Average commute

31.4 min

Philadelphia · Average commute

32.0 min

Philadelphia is 0.6 min (2%) higher than New York City

New York City · Drive alone

5.7%

Philadelphia · Drive alone

46.7%

Philadelphia is 41.0% (719%) higher than New York City

New York City · Public transit

45.5%

Philadelphia · Public transit

17.9%

New York City is 27.6% (154%) higher than Philadelphia

Monthly cost estimates in New York City vs Philadelphia

All categories combined.

New York City · Single person

$5,319

Philadelphia · Single person

$3,382

New York City is $1,937 (57%) higher than Philadelphia

New York City · Couple

$6,684

Philadelphia · Couple

$4,560

New York City is $2,124 (47%) higher than Philadelphia

New York City · Family

$9,554

Philadelphia · Family

$7,059

New York City is $2,495 (35%) higher than Philadelphia

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing New York City and Philadelphia.

Is New York City or Philadelphia more expensive?

New York City is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $5,319/mo in New York City, New York and $3,382/mo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a difference of about 57%.

What is the rent difference between New York City and Philadelphia?

Average one-bedroom rent in New York City, New York is $2,511/mo versus $1,512/mo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. New York City is approximately $999 (66%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, New York City or Philadelphia?

New York City has the higher average household income. New York City households earn approximately $104,553 per year; Philadelphia households earn approximately $60,698 per year.

More on New York City and Philadelphia

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

New York City profile Philadelphia profile Compare different areas

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.