Median rent is 29% lower in Philadelphia ($1,397/mo vs $1,954/mo). Buying is cheaper in Philadelphia, where the median home runs $243,100 versus $737,100. Households earn more in Washington ($109,870 vs $61,953 a year). Taken together, Philadelphia is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.4 against 109.5 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Washington, DC.
Cost of living verdict
Philadelphia is 7% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 102.4 in Philadelphia vs 109.5 in Washington (US national average = 100)
City A
Philadelphia, PA
City B
Washington, DC
How much would you need to earn in Washington, DC to maintain your standard of living from Philadelphia, PA?
Equivalent salary in Washington, DC
$80,261
You'd need $5,261 more (7% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
Washington
District of Columbia
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Philadelphia — median rent of $1,397/mo versus $1,954/mo in Washington, a 29% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Washington: the median home is $737,100 versus $243,100 in Philadelphia — 67% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Philadelphia
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Washington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Washington has cleaner air on average: 24.0 AQI (Good) compared to 54.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Philadelphia if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.4 vs 109.5).
Pick Washington if you prioritize higher median household income ($109,870/yr).
Pick Philadelphia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,397/mo median).
Pick Washington if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 24.0).
Is Philadelphia cheaper than Washington?
Philadelphia is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 109.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Philadelphia.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Washington?
Median rent is $1,397/mo in Philadelphia, PA and $1,954/mo in Washington, DC. Philadelphia, PA has the lower rent by about 29%.
Which has higher salaries — Philadelphia or Washington?
Median household income is $61,953 in Philadelphia, PA and $109,870 in Washington, DC. Washington, DC 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?
Washington, DC has better air quality on average: 24.0 AQI versus 54.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Philadelphia or Washington?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Washington to match my Philadelphia income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA is equivalent to roughly $107,014 in Washington, DC (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
