Question 1

Is New York or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia, PA is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $1,227/month less than in New York, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $2,910/mo in New York versus $1,810/mo in Philadelphia.

Question 2

What salary do you need in New York vs Philadelphia?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $115,500/year before tax in New York, NY and $84,000/year in Philadelphia, PA — a difference of about $31,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is New York or Philadelphia cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $11,966/month in New York and $9,690/month in Philadelphia, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to New York or Philadelphia?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Philadelphia costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	New York44	Philadelphia53
Est. monthly cost (single)	$5,531	$4,304
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$11,966	$9,690
Salary for comfort	$115,500/yr	$84,000/yr
Typical rent	$2,910	$1,810
Median home value	$751,700	$232,400
Median household income	$79,713	$60,698
Unemployment	5.2%	4.9%
Housing score	3	45
Jobs score	43	55
Safety score	47	4
Climate score	99	100
Amenities score	40	46
Population	8.5M	1.6M
Summer high / winter low	84° / 27°	87° / 29°

New York, NY vs Philadelphia, PA