Seattle, WA vs Philadelphia, PA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Seattle, WA and Philadelphia, PA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Seattle, WA
WA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113.7
- Housing RPP
- 154.8
- Goods RPP
- 116.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,645/mo
Washington has no state income tax. Sales tax 6.5%+local up to 10.5%.
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 Seattle, WA by about 11.4% (RPP 113.7 to 100.7).
$60,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $53,140
in Philadelphia, PA
$100,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $88,566
in Philadelphia, PA
$150,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $132,850
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 Seattle, WA?
- Philadelphia, PA (RPP 100.7) is cheaper than Seattle, WA (RPP 113.7) by about 11.4%.
- What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA if I earn $100,000 in Seattle, WA?
- You would need approximately $88,566 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Seattle, WA. Formula: $100,000 x (100.7 / 113.7).