Philadelphia skyline

🇺🇸Cost of Living in Philadelphia

United States · Population: 1,600,000 · Cost Index: 72/100

Cost of Living in Philadelphia

United States · North America

Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and a historically significant metropolis known for its role in American independence. The city offers a lower cost of living compared to nearby New York and Washington D.C., with a thriving food scene and rich arts culture.

1,600,000

Population

72

Cost Index

42

Safety Index

55

Quality of Life

Average Monthly Cost: $2,800 (single person, excluding rent)

Cost Breakdown

Housing

Avg: $2,050.00
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,800.00
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,200.00
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$3,200.00
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,000.00

Food & Groceries

Avg: $14.11
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$18.00
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$80.00
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$10.50
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.25
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$3.50
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.80
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$4.20
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$12.00
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.00
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.80

Transportation

Avg: $20.80
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$96.00
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.50
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$2.70
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.80
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.98

Utilities

Avg: $91.00
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)
$165.00
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$48.00
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$60.00

Healthcare

Avg: $143.33
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$210.00
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$175.00
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$45.00

Entertainment

Avg: $20.19
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$55.00
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$14.00
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.75
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$7.00

Clothing

Avg: $56.33
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$48.00
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$36.00
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$85.00

Compare Philadelphia with another city

See how Philadelphia stacks up against any other city in our database.

Quick Facts

Currency
USD
Language
English
Cost Index
72/100
Safety Index
42/100
Quality of Life
55/100

Data last updated: 2026-01-15. Prices are approximate and shown in USD.