Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
30% cheaper
Philadelphia is 30% more affordable than Washington. A $75,000 salary in Washington is equivalent to $52,303 in Philadelphia.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Pennsylvania salaries · District of Columbia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while Washington sits at 226 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $580,000 in Washington, a difference of $340,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $2,300 in Washington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Philadelphia scores 104 while Washington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are lower than Washington (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $90,842 in Washington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Philadelphia.
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