Cost of Living: Boston vs Philadelphia
Boston is 49% more expensive than Philadelphia
Quick Answer
Boston is 49% more expensive than Philadelphia. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $50,329 in Philadelphia. The biggest gap is in housing costs.
Monthly Cost Comparison
Side-by-side monthly costs for major expense categories:
| Category | Boston | Philadelphia | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $3,040/mo | $2,040/mo | Philadelphia (-$1,000) |
| Groceries | $517/mo | $347/mo | Philadelphia (-$170) |
| Transportation | $479/mo | $321/mo | Philadelphia (-$158) |
| Healthcare | $650/mo | $436/mo | Philadelphia (-$214) |
| Utilities | $243/mo | $163/mo | Philadelphia (-$80) |
| Dining Out | $456/mo | $306/mo | Philadelphia (-$150) |
| Total Monthly | $5,385 | $3,613 | Philadelphia |
Category-by-Category Comparison
Salary Equivalent: Boston to Philadelphia
Here is what various salaries in Boston are equivalent to in Philadelphia, adjusted for cost of living differences:
| Salary in Boston | = | Equivalent in Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $33,553 | -$16,447 | |
| $75,000 | $50,329 | -$24,671 | |
| $100,000 | $67,105 | -$32,895 | |
| $125,000 | $83,882 | -$41,118 | |
| $150,000 | $100,658 | -$49,342 |
If you move from Boston to Philadelphia, you would maintain the same lifestyle on a lower salary.
Which City Wins by Category?
Save $12,000/year compared to Boston
Save $2,040/year compared to Boston
Save $1,896/year compared to Boston
Save $2,568/year compared to Boston
Save $960/year compared to Boston
Save $1,800/year compared to Boston
Quality of Life Comparison
| Factor | Boston | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Job Market | Boston has a competitive, high-paying job market | Philadelphia has a growing job market |
| Weather | Varies by region | Varies by region |
| Commute | Longer average commute, robust public transit | Moderate commute times |
| Entertainment | World-class dining, arts, and nightlife | Good variety of activities and dining |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston more expensive than Philadelphia?
Yes, Boston is approximately 49% more expensive than Philadelphia overall. The biggest difference is in housing, where Boston costs are significantly higher.
What salary in Philadelphia equals $75,000 in Boston?
A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to approximately $50,329 in Philadelphia, adjusted for cost of living differences. This accounts for housing, groceries, transportation, and other expenses.
Where is housing cheaper, Boston or Philadelphia?
Housing is cheaper in Philadelphia, with average monthly costs of $2,040 compared to $3,040 in Boston.
Should I move from Boston to Philadelphia?
Moving from Boston to Philadelphia could save you approximately $12,000/year on housing alone. However, consider career opportunities, salary adjustments, quality of life, and personal preferences.
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