Cost of Living: Philadelphia vs Washington (2026)
Philadelphia has a 30% lower overall cost of living than Washington as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $2,000/mo in Philadelphia vs $3,100/mo in Washington — a 35% difference. Philadelphia has a lower state income tax rate (3.1% vs 5.8%), which adds up over time.
- Philadelphia is 30% cheaper overall (COL index: 107 vs 153)
- 1BR rent: $2,000/mo in Philadelphia vs $3,100/mo — 35% savings
- Higher median household income: Washington ($100,000/yr vs $55,000/yr)
- Median home price: $290,000 in Philadelphia vs $650,000 — 55% difference
| Category | Philadelphia Pennsylvania | Washington District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,600Best | $2,400 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $2,000Best | $3,100 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,600Best | $4,200 |
| Median home price | $290KBest | $650K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 103Best | 111 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $15Best | $18 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $60Best | $75 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $96Best | $100 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.30Best | $3.60 |
| Car insurance/mo | $175Best | $185 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $160Best | $190 |
| Internet/mo | $65Best | $75 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $55K | $100KBest |
| State income tax% | 3.1%Best | 5.8% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.0% | 6.0%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $16.00Best | $17.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $45Best | $65 |
| Beer at restaurant | $7.00Best | $8.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 107Best | 153 |
| Walk score / 100 | 76 | 77Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Philadelphia cheaper than Washington?
Yes. Philadelphia is 30% cheaper than Washington based on overall cost of living indices (107 vs 153, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Philadelphia vs Washington?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Philadelphia is $2,000/month and in Washington is $3,100/month. Philadelphia is cheaper by 35%.
How much do I need to earn in Washington to match a $75,000 salary in Philadelphia?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $107,243/year in Washington to match a $75,000 salary in Philadelphia. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Philadelphia or Washington?
Philadelphia has the lower state income tax rate at 3.1% vs 5.8%. The difference is 2.7 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Philadelphia to Washington?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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