Cost of Living: Boston vs Philadelphia (2026)
Compare cost of living: Boston vs Philadelphia. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Philadelphia is 27% cheaper.
Boston is approximately 27% more expensive than Philadelphia overall. Moving from Boston to Philadelphia could save you $13800+/year in rent alone. This comparison breaks down every major expense category so you can decide where your money goes further.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Compare cost of living Boston vs Philadelphia including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether Boston or Philadelphia is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | Boston | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 128 | +27% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $2,800/mo | $1,650/mo | +$1,150 |
| Median Salary | $72,000 | $58,000 | +$14,000 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $112 | $95 | +$17 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $120 | $108 | +$12 |
Index base: 100 = national average. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalized comparison.
Salary Needed to Maintain Your Lifestyle
If you earn $75,000 in Boston, you would need approximately $59,259 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in Philadelphia requires $94,922 in Boston.
| Salary in Boston | Equivalent in Philadelphia |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,506 |
| $75,000 | $59,259 |
| $100,000 | $79,012 |
| $125,000 | $98,765 |
| $150,000 | $118,519 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $2,800 in Boston vs $1,650 in Philadelphia — $1,150/month or $13,800/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.