ReloMath

Denver, CO vs Philadelphia, PA: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Denver, CO and Philadelphia, PA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗
Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Denver, CO

CO

Overall RPP (US=100)
107.4
Housing RPP
145.8
Goods RPP
105.5
2-BR median rent
$2,201/mo

Colorado flat income tax 4.4%. Denver city tax 2.25% on wages.

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 Denver, CO by about 6.2% (RPP 107.4 to 100.7).

$60,000 in Denver, CO

-> $56,257

in Philadelphia, PA

$100,000 in Denver, CO

-> $93,762

in Philadelphia, PA

$150,000 in Denver, CO

-> $140,642

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 Denver, CO?
Philadelphia, PA (RPP 100.7) is cheaper than Denver, CO (RPP 107.4) by about 6.2%.
What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA if I earn $100,000 in Denver, CO?
You would need approximately $93,762 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Denver, CO. Formula: $100,000 x (100.7 / 107.4).