Philadelphia vs New York: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Philadelphia's median home value is $215,500 — 71% lower than New York's $732,100.
Households earn a median $57,537 in Philadelphia, compared with $76,607 in New York.
Monthly rent typically costs $1,250 in Philadelphia and $1,714 in New York.
FEMA rates Philadelphia's natural-hazard risk higher than New York's: Very High versus Relatively High.
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,593,208 | 8,622,467 |
| Median home value | $215,500 | $732,100 |
| Median household income | $57,537 | $76,607 |
| Median gross rent | $1,250 | $1,714 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Relatively High |
Philadelphia, PA comes out ahead on housing affordability versus New York, NY, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.
Moving between Philadelphia and New York
Philadelphia and New York are 77 miles apart in a straight line.
| What changes when you move | Philadelphia → New York | New York → Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | +$464/mo (+37%) | −$464/mo (−27%) |
| Median home value | +$516,600 (+240%) | −$516,600 (−71%) |
| Median household income | +$19,070 (+33%) | −$19,070 (−25%) |
Estimated moving cost (either direction)
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $515 – $782 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $1,627 – $2,458 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $3,040 – $4,587 |
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 New York, NY
89 miles estimated driving distance · 1.5 hours of highway driving
DIY Truck Rental
$218 – $280
Includes an estimated $31 in fuel (9 gal at ~10 mpg) over 1 driving day.
Professional Movers
$1,262 – $1,955
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.