Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Washington, DC (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Washington

District of Columbia
171

Philadelphia is 50% cheaper than Washington.

$1,323/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,900/mo ↑ 44%
$60,698/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$106,287/yr ↑ 75%
$232,400 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$724,600 ↑ 212%
$1,233/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,103/mo ↑ 71%
1,582,432
Population
672,079

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.56%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 171 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $577/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $6,924/year.

Median household income is $45,589/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $724,600 in Washington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Washington — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Washington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Washington?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Washington it's $1,900/month — a difference of $577/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Washington?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $106,287 in Washington. Median household income is $45,589/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and District of Columbia?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Washington?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Washington has a cost index of 171 with rent of $1,900/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Washington details →

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