Overview
Philadelphia offers big-city amenities at a fraction of the cost of New York or Boston. As the sixth-largest US city, Philly combines rich American history, world-class arts and dining, passionate sports culture, and diverse neighborhoods. Its location provides easy access to New York, Washington DC, and the Jersey Shore.
Why People Move to Philadelphia
- Significantly more affordable than NYC or Boston
- Rich history and cultural institutions
- Excellent food scene from cheesesteaks to fine dining
- Strong healthcare and education sectors
- Easy access to NYC, DC, and beaches
Average Moving Costs to Philadelphia
| From | Studio/1BR | 2BR |
|---|---|---|
| New York (95 mi) | $700-$1,300 | $1,300-$2,200 |
| Washington DC (140 mi) | $800-$1,500 | $1,500-$2,500 |
| Boston (300 mi) | $1,400-$2,400 | $2,400-$4,000 |
| Chicago (760 mi) | $2,400-$3,800 | $3,800-$6,000 |
* Estimates for professional full-service moves. DIY moves with rental trucks typically cost 40-60% less.
Best Neighborhoods for Newcomers
Center City
Avg Rent: $1,800-$2,800 (1BR)
Downtown core with walkability, restaurants, and urban amenities.
Fishtown
Avg Rent: $1,500-$2,400 (1BR)
Hip, artsy neighborhood with breweries, music venues, and young crowd.
Rittenhouse Square
Avg Rent: $2,200-$3,500 (1BR)
Upscale area surrounding beautiful park. High-end dining and shopping.
Manayunk
Avg Rent: $1,300-$2,000 (1BR)
Former mill town with Main Street shops, restaurants, and outdoor access.
Cost of Living in Philadelphia
- Rent (1BR)$1,500-$2,300/month average
- GroceriesAbout 5% above national average
- Dining out$14-$22 casual, $45-$90 upscale
- City wage tax3.75% for residents (on top of state 3.07%)
Utilities & Services
Electric
PECO
$80-$150/month
Internet
Comcast, Verizon Fios
$50-$80/month
Water
Philadelphia Water Dept
$40-$70/month
Gas
PGW
$40-$100/month (higher in winter)
Job Market in Philadelphia
- Healthcare giants: Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple Health
- Major universities: UPenn, Temple, Drexel
- Comcast headquarters
- Growing tech and startup scene
- Pharmaceutical companies nearby
Transportation in Philadelphia
Public Transit
SEPTA bus, subway, trolley, regional rail. Monthly pass $104. Good coverage in city.
Car
Not necessary in Center City. Street parking challenging. Helpful for suburbs.
Biking
Growing bike share (Indego) and protected lanes. Flat terrain helpful.
Moving Tips for Philadelphia
Best Time to Move
Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October) for mild weather. Avoid winter moves when possible.
Things to Know Before Moving
- Philadelphia has a city wage tax - factor this into your budget
- Street parking permits required in many neighborhoods
- Many row homes have narrow doors and stairs - measure furniture
- Check building age for lead paint and old electrical systems
Pros and Cons of Living in Philadelphia
Pros
- +Much cheaper than NYC/Boston
- +Walkable center city
- +Rich history and culture
- +Excellent food scene
- +Good public transit
Cons
- -City wage tax adds up
- -Some neighborhoods have high crime
- -Cold winters
- -Older housing stock
- -Eagles fans can be intense