Boston, MA vs Philadelphia, PA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Boston, MA and Philadelphia, PA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Boston, MA
MA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 112
- Housing RPP
- 150.3
- Goods RPP
- 110.1
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,827/mo
Massachusetts flat income tax 5.0%. No city income tax.
Philadelphia, PA
PA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 100.7
- Housing RPP
- 115.8
- Goods RPP
- 95.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,737/mo
Pennsylvania flat income tax 3.07%. Philadelphia city wage tax 3.75% residents.
Equivalent salary
Philadelphia, PA is cheaper than Boston, MA by about 10.1% (RPP 112 to 100.7).
$60,000 in Boston, MA
-> $53,946
in Philadelphia, PA
$100,000 in Boston, MA
-> $89,911
in Philadelphia, PA
$150,000 in Boston, MA
-> $134,866
in Philadelphia, PA
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper or more expensive than Boston, MA?
- Philadelphia, PA (RPP 100.7) is cheaper than Boston, MA (RPP 112) by about 10.1%.
- What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA if I earn $100,000 in Boston, MA?
- You would need approximately $89,911 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Boston, MA. Formula: $100,000 x (100.7 / 112).