Philadelphia vs Scranton

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Philadelphia has the same purchasing power as $63,679 in Scranton.

Conversely, $75,000 in Scranton equals $88,333 in Philadelphia.

Living in Philadelphia vs Scranton

Housing Costs

Philadelphia's housing index of 107 is higher Scranton's 65, translating to median home prices of $240,000 vs $195,000. The $45,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,928 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Philadelphia compared to $1,025/mo in Scranton, a monthly difference of $375.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 104 in Philadelphia and 98 in Scranton. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $494/month in Philadelphia vs $466/month in Scranton. Scranton offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $336/year.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 113 in Philadelphia and 102 in Scranton. Monthly utility bills average approximately $452 in Philadelphia vs $408 in Scranton. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs index at 101 in Philadelphia and 90 in Scranton. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 11-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $49,127 in Philadelphia and $49,500 in Scranton. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $46,346 and $55,000 respectively. Scranton residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,146/month to housing in Philadelphia vs $1,155/month in Scranton. In Philadelphia, median rent of $1,400/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Scranton, median rent of $1,025/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 42 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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