Cost of living · Philadelphia, PA · 2026
What salary do you need to live in Philadelphia, PA?
What salary do you need to live in Philadelphia, PA?
To cover the essentials living alone in Philadelphia, PA — about $2,510 a month — you need to earn roughly $36,000 a year before tax (accounting for PA state tax). To live comfortably, with money left for savings, closer to $50,000. Rent alone is $1,650 a month.
Verified 12 August 2026
To get by $36,000 Covers rent and essentials with little spare
To be comfortable $50,000 Essentials plus room to save and enjoy the city
What it costs to live in Philadelphia, PA
| Monthly cost | |
|---|---|
| Rent (one-bed) | $1,650 |
| Utilities | $170 |
| Transport | $100 |
| Food | $460 |
| Health | $130 |
| Total | $2,510 |
On the $36,000 "get by" salary, your take-home is about $2,500 a month — just covering the $2,510 of essentials.
Roommates change everything. Splitting rent and utilities can cut the salary you need by tens of thousands. Run your own numbers →