Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Philadelphia, PA (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85

New York is 81% more expensive than Philadelphia.

$1,779/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 26%
$79,713/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$60,698/yr ↓ 24%
$751,700 ↑ 223%
Home Value
$232,400 ↓ 69%
$1,837/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,233/mo ↓ 33%
8,516,202
Population
1,582,432

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 85 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $456/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $5,472/year.

Median household income is $19,015/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $232,400 in Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Philadelphia — common questions

Is New York or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Philadelphia?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Philadelphia it's $1,323/month — a difference of $456/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Philadelphia?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $60,698 in Philadelphia. Median household income is $19,015/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Pennsylvania?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Philadelphia?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/mo, while Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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