Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Philadelphia is 23% cheaper than Raleigh.

$1,323/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↑ 11%
$60,698/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↑ 36%
$232,400 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$377,800 ↑ 63%
$1,233/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↑ 21%
1,582,432
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $21,726/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Raleigh?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Raleigh?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $21,726/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and North Carolina?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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