Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has an overall cost of living index of 100.7, which is 0.7 points above the US average of 100 — making it about average versus most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,323 per month, while the typical home is valued around $232,400. Households earn a median of $60,698 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 58. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$60,698
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,323
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$232,400
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
100.7
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
100.7
Goods
95.2
Rents / Housing
115.8
Services
108.1
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
3.07%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $125,850 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $94,850 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $76,730 |
| ⚡Electrician | $77,460 |
| 📊Accountant | $93,710 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
1,582,432
Latest estimate
Median Age
35.1 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
58.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 100.7. The US national average is 100, so Philadelphia is 0.7 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Philadelphia?
The median gross rent in Philadelphia is $1,323 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Philadelphia?
The median household income in Philadelphia is $60,698 per year.
What is the median home value in Philadelphia?
The median home value in Philadelphia is $232,400 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 58.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Philadelphia?
Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a statewide sales tax of 6.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology