Question 1

Is Newark or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia, PA is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $560/month less than in Newark, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $2,205/mo in Newark versus $1,810/mo in Philadelphia.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Newark vs Philadelphia?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $92,500/year before tax in Newark, NJ and $84,000/year in Philadelphia, PA — a difference of about $8,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Newark 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 $11,134/month in Newark and $9,690/month in Philadelphia, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Newark 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	Newark53	Philadelphia53
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,864	$4,304
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$11,134	$9,690
Salary for comfort	$92,500/yr	$84,000/yr
Typical rent	$2,205	$1,810
Median home value	$337,800	$232,400
Median household income	$48,416	$60,698
Unemployment	6.6%	4.9%
Housing score	8	45
Jobs score	38	55
Safety score	56	4
Climate score	99	100
Amenities score	55	46
Population	307.2K	1.6M
Summer high / winter low	86° / 25°	87° / 29°

Newark, NJ vs Philadelphia, PA