Philadelphia vs Washington: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Philadelphia's median home value is $215,500 — 69% lower than Washington's $705,000.
Philadelphia's median household income runs $57,537, against $101,722 in Washington.
Median rent is $1,250 in Philadelphia, compared with $1,817 in Washington.
Philadelphia's FEMA hazard rating (Very High) is higher than Washington's (Relatively High) — worth noting if climate risk factors into your decision.
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,593,208 | 670,587 |
| Median home value | $215,500 | $705,000 |
| Median household income | $57,537 | $101,722 |
| Median gross rent | $1,250 | $1,817 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Relatively High |
Philadelphia, PA beats Washington, DC on both housing metrics we track — home value and rent — though this doesn't capture the full cost of living.
Moving between Philadelphia and Washington
Philadelphia and Washington are 126 miles apart in a straight line.
| What changes when you move | Philadelphia → Washington | Washington → Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | +$567/mo (+45%) | −$567/mo (−31%) |
| Median home value | +$489,500 (+227%) | −$489,500 (−69%) |
| Median household income | +$44,185 (+77%) | −$44,185 (−43%) |
Estimated moving cost (either direction)
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $563 – $860 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $1,717 – $2,604 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $3,177 – $4,809 |
Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
Philadelphia, PA Washington, DC
145 miles estimated driving distance · 2.4 hours of highway driving
DIY Truck Rental
$273 – $351
Includes an estimated $51 in fuel (15 gal at ~10 mpg) over 1 driving day.
Professional Movers
$1,489 – $2,393
Full-service crew, loading and unloading included.
Estimates based on typical rental-truck, fuel, and professional-mover industry rates; actual quotes vary by carrier, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.