A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between Boston, MA and Philadelphia, PA.
MA
Population: 654,776
PA
Population: 1,576,251
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
| Metric | Boston, MA | Philadelphia, PA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 155 | 100 | +55.0% |
| Median Home Price | $650,000 | $260,000 | +150.0% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.04% | 1.36% | -23.5% |
| Median Household Income | $81,744 | $52,649 | +55.3% |
| Population | 654,776 | 1,576,251 | -58.5% |
Philadelphia, PA is 55.0% cheaper to live in than Boston, MA, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$390,000
Philadelphia, PA is cheaper by 150.0%
Income Difference
$29,095
Boston, MA earns more by 55.3%
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
Boston, MA
8.0x
$650,000 / $81,744
Philadelphia, PA
4.9x
$260,000 / $52,649
Overall, Philadelphia, PA is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 100 compared to 155, a median home price of $260,000, and a price-to-income ratio of 4.9x, Philadelphia, PA offers better value for residents looking to stretch their dollar further. However, the median household income in Boston, MA ($81,744) is higher, which may offset some of the cost differences.