🇺🇸 Living · United States

Philadelphia

Cost of living, housing, transport and neighborhoods in Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania · Americas ·UTC-5/UTC-4
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MediumCost
★★★☆☆Safety
ExcellentEnglish
USD $Currency
6,200,000Population

City Overview

Philadelphia is a historic city of the US Northeast and the sixth-largest US city — where the Declaration of Independence was signed and America’s first capital (the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall). Strong in education and healthcare (Penn, Drexel), with biotech and finance. Between New York and Washington, it is well-connected and cheaper than both. Walkable, with a rich history and arts scene — the economic and cultural center of eastern Pennsylvania.

Cost of Living Snapshot

1BR Apartment $1,500–2,300/mo (center); $1,150–1,750/mo (outer)
Dining Out $12–18 (quick meal); $50–95 (restaurant for 2)
Monthly Transport Transit pass ~$96/mo; Uber starts $7–11
Monthly Groceries $340–530/mo (groceries)
USD Reference: (Directly in USD)
Full Cost of Living Report →

Source: RichBay editorial estimate — indicative, not guaranteed Estimate baseline: 2026-06-19 · Actual costs vary by location, timing, and personal lifestyle.

Getting Around

SEPTA subway/bus/regional rail; Key card works across them. Amtrak to New York (~1.5 h)/Washington. Philadelphia International (PHL). Walkable; compact historic core.

Housing & Neighborhoods

City Center Center City (core)
International Hub University City (universities/research)
Quiet & Residential Fishtown/Northern Liberties (culture/livable)
Budget-Friendly Outer suburbs (value)

Universities in Philadelphia (3)

Directory links go to official university sites (source: College Scorecard, public domain).

Why Live Here

  • Founding-era historic city (Liberty Bell/Independence Hall)
  • Top universities (Penn); biotech
  • On the NY-DC corridor; lower cost
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Frequently asked questions

How are the cost figures estimated?

Cost figures are RichBay editorial estimates of typical rent, food and transport, normalised to USD — indicative, not guaranteed. Verify locally before relying on them.

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