Median rent is 13% lower in Camden ($1,157/mo vs $1,323/mo). Buying is cheaper in Camden, where the median home runs $100,400 versus $232,400. Households earn more in Philadelphia ($60,698 vs $40,450 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (100.7).
City A
Camden, NJ
City B
Philadelphia, PA
How much would you need to earn in Philadelphia, PA to maintain your standard of living from Camden, NJ?
Equivalent salary in Philadelphia, PA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Camden
New Jersey
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Camden at $1,157/mo compared to $1,323/mo in Philadelphia (13% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Philadelphia: the median home is $232,400 versus $100,400 in Camden — 57% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New Jersey's top income tax rate is 10.75% versus 3.07% in Pennsylvania, so Philadelphia is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.63% in New Jersey and 6.00% in Pennsylvania; Philadelphia has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Camden
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.63%
Philadelphia
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Philadelphia (avg AQI 58.0) but not yet for Camden.
Pick Philadelphia if you prioritize higher median household income ($60,698/yr).
Pick Camden if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,157/mo median).
Pick Philadelphia if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is Camden cheaper than Philadelphia?
Camden is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 100.7 versus 100.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Camden.
How much is rent in Camden vs Philadelphia?
Median rent is $1,157/mo in Camden, NJ and $1,323/mo in Philadelphia, PA. Camden, NJ has the lower rent by about 13%.
Which has higher salaries — Camden or Philadelphia?
Median household income is $40,450 in Camden, NJ and $60,698 in Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia, PA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Camden or Philadelphia?
New Jersey's top income tax rate is 10.75% and Pennsylvania's is 3.07%. Philadelphia, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Philadelphia to match my Camden income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Camden, NJ is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology