Moving from Boston to Philadelphia (2026)
Philadelphia has a COL index of 107 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 34% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Philadelphia to match your Boston lifestyle
Based on the 34% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boston | Equivalent in Philadelphia |
|---|---|
| $40K | $26,420 |
| $50K | $33,025 |
| $60K | $39,630 |
| $75K | $49,537 |
| $80K | $52,840 |
| $100K | $66,049 |
| $120K | $79,259 |
| $150K | $99,074 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Boston vs Philadelphia
| Expense | Boston | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,547 |
| 1BR rent | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| Groceries | $418 | $391 |
| Transport | $90 | $96 |
| Utilities | $185 | $160 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $665 | $1,835 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $1,051 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Boston — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Philadelphia cheaper than Boston?
Yes. Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 107 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). That's about 34% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boston to Philadelphia?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boston to Philadelphia saves roughly $1,119/month on core expenses. That's ~$13,428/year.
What salary do I need in Philadelphia to match my Boston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boston, you'd need roughly $49,537/year in Philadelphia. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only