Cost of living in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania, is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living in Philadelphia is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $15 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $82.5, with prices ranging from $60 to $125.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.5, with a range between $8 and $14.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $6 to $10, cappuccino $2.49 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1 and $1.85 per liter, averaging $1.37.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $5.51, with an average price of $3.94.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.5 to $6, averaging $4.14.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $1.65 to $13.21 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.66 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $3 to $3.08 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2 and $3, with a monthly pass priced between $90 and $140.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.7, with a cost of $1.55 to $3.11 per km and $22 to $32 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1400 to $2500, averaging $1800.29.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1100 to $1800, averaging $1351.78.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2400 to $4500, averaging $3150.08.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1800 to $3000, averaging $2248.11.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2533 to $4574.66, averaging $3542.72.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2152.78 to $3229.17, averaging $2335.53.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $141.67 and $425, averaging $257.49.
- Internet - Internet services range from $49 to $120, with an average cost of $69.89.
Cost of Living Rankings
Philadelphia ranks 11th on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Philadelphia offers a diverse range of living costs, with dining and transportation being relatively affordable compared to other major cities.
Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Grocery prices are moderate, but some items like cheese and beef can be on the higher side.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, making Philadelphia a balanced choice for both singles and families.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Philadelphia presents a moderate cost of living with a mix of affordable and premium options across various categories.
Whether you're dining out, shopping for groceries, or looking for housing, Philadelphia offers choices that can fit different budgets.
Understanding these costs can help you make informed decisions about living in this historic and culturally rich city.