Question 1

Is Philadelphia or Seattle cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia, PA is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $487/month less than in Seattle, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,810/mo in Philadelphia versus $2,501/mo in Seattle.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Philadelphia vs Seattle?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $84,000/year before tax in Philadelphia, PA and $86,000/year in Seattle, WA — a difference of about $2,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Philadelphia or Seattle 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 $9,690/month in Philadelphia and $12,749/month in Seattle, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Philadelphia or Seattle?

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	Philadelphia53	Seattle59
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,304	$4,791
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,690	$12,749
Salary for comfort	$84,000/yr	$86,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,810	$2,501
Median home value	$232,400	$912,100
Median household income	$60,698	$121,984
Unemployment	4.9%	4.7%
Housing score	45	34
Jobs score	55	35
Safety score	4	40
Climate score	100	92
Amenities score	46	90
Population	1.6M	741.4K
Summer high / winter low	87° / 29°	76° / 37°

Philadelphia, PA vs Seattle, WA