Philly and NYC are less than 100 miles apart, but there are major differences between these two East Coast giants. If you’re trying to decide between living in Philadelphia vs New York City, it’s important to understand what each city has to offer.
At Remitly, we aim to help you achieve your dreams and live your best life. In this article, we’ll explore what life is like in Philadelphia and New York. Besides practical comparisons of housing costs, transportation, job markets, and cultural scenes, we’ll also explore the day-to-day vibe of each city. By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of which one suits you best.
Cost of living: the big differentiator
No matter where you go, the cost of living is often the deciding factor in whether you’ll move there or not. After all, even the world’s greatest cities are no fun if you don’t have any money. Both NYC and Philadelphia are major urban hubs with strong job markets, but the everyday financial reality of each is quite different.
Housing costs
The most dramatic gap in the cost of living in Philly vs NYC is in the housing market. Philadelphia real estate isn’t cheap, but it’s an absolute bargain compared to New York City. Let’s look at some numbers.
The average rent for all property types in Philadelphia is $1,600 USD per month. Breaking it down further, a one-bedroom apartment costs $1,370 USD per month, while average house rent is $1,700 USD.
In New York, on the other hand, the average property goes for $3,500 USD. One-bedroom apartments average around $3,385 USD a month, while a house could set you back $6,000 USD monthly or more.
As you might expect, the same is true when it comes to buying a house. The average house price in Philadelphia is $228,621 USD, compared to NYC, where the average home price is $793,963 USD.
That’s a massive difference. Whether you rent or buy, getting a place to live in New York City is going to cost you more than double what it would in Philly.
That’ll have a significant difference in the kind of life you’ll have. If you want to be in a walkable neighborhood downtown, you have a much better chance of getting it in Philadelphia. However, the same location will cost dramatically more in New York City.
Daily expenses
The cost of housing is the most significant price difference between these two cities. But it’s not the only one.
The truth is, living in Philadelphia is much more affordable across the board. Even if you ignore the lower rents, it costs almost 20% less to live in Philly vs NYC.
Let’s compare some important budget items in the two cities:
Groceries
| Item | Philadelphia, PA (USD) | New York City, NYC (USD) |
| Bread (1 lb loaf) | $3.82 | $4.43 |
| Rice (1 lb) | $3.66 | $3.62 |
| Chicken fillets (1 lb) | $6.04 | $6.59 |
| Beef round (1 lb) | $8.72 | $9.14 |
| Potatoes (1 lb) | $1.44 | $1.66 |
| Bottle of wine (mid-range) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Domestic beer (16.9 oz) | $2.36 | $3.27 |
| Imported beer (12 oz) | $4.20 | $4.22 |
Transportation
| Item | Philadelphia, PA (USD) | New York City, NYC (USD) |
| One-way transit ticket | $2.50 | $2.90 |
| Monthly transit pass | $96.00 | $133.00 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.85 | $0.88 |
Utilities and lifestyle
| Item | Philadelphia, PA (USD) | New York City, NYC (USD) |
| Basic utilities (monthly) | $255.37 | $185.26 |
| Gym membership (monthly) | $58.93 | $135.00 |
| Childcare (private full-day, monthly) | $2,163.45 | $3,429.54 |
As you can see, some items are actually cheaper in NYC than in Philadelphia. Utilities, for example, attract lower charges in the Big Apple. However, New York City is generally more expensive. Even without factoring in housing costs, you need a higher income there to enjoy the same standard of living.
Taxes
Because these two cities are in different states, they also operate under different tax regimes. However, both impose an income tax in addition to the state tax.
Your tax situation will depend on your take-home income. Using the example of an individual making $80,000 USD a year, here’s what you can expect to pay:
- Philadelphia: 3.07% state tax, 3.88% city tax
- New York City: 6.09% state tax, 3.87% city tax
Job market and career opportunities
Okay, so we’ve established that you’ll pay more living in Philadelphia vs New York City. But the latter offers job opportunities you wouldn’t get anywhere else.
NYC: a diverse economy
New York City boasts one of the largest economies in the world, bigger than the GDP of most countries. As the home of Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), it’s a major international financial capital.
But its economy is much more diversified. NYC is also a global hub of media, entertainment, technology, fashion, art, and culture, among others. The average wage here is approximately $40 USD per hour, or around $90,000 USD a year.
Philadelphia: growing sectors
Philadelphia has strong job opportunities in multiple sectors, but the economy is anchored by “eds and meds”—education and medicine. It also has a growing presence in the biotechnology, finance, research, and professional services industries.
The average hourly wage in Philadelphia is $33.47 USD, equivalent to about $69,000 USD per year.
Can you work in NYC but live in Philly?
Because these cities are relatively close together, some people try to have the best of both worlds and commute from Philly to NYC several days a week. This allows workers to tap into New York City’s excellent employment opportunities, but also benefit from the lower expenses in Philadelphia.
Luckily, the two share a reliable train connection, which means you can reach New York from Philadelphia in around an hour and a half, and vice versa. It’s a long commute, but one that gives you access to New York’s job market and Philadelphia’s more affordable cost of living.
Getting around: transportation and commute
It’s not just about where you live; figuring out how you’ll get around is also important. When you’re considering living in Philadelphia vs New York City, it’s worth thinking about how you’ll navigate daily life.
New York City subway
NYC is famous for its public transportation system, overseen by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The subway operates 24 hours a day, covers all five boroughs, and connects seamlessly with buses and regional trains. Being able to go just about anywhere in the city at any time of day is a major advantage for shift workers, people with unpredictable schedules, and those who enjoy the nightlife.
No other city in the United States has a transport network quite as efficient. That’s why many New Yorkers don’t own a car.
Philly’s SEPTA
Philadelphia’s public transportation network can’t compete with New York’s, but it’s still the sixth-largest in the US. The Southeastern Pennysylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) system combines buses, trolleys, subways, and regional rail lines to serve the city and its suburbs.
While SEPTA doesn’t run 24 hours a day, it does allow you to easily manage your daily commute and errands, as long as you live and work somewhere close to a public transit line.
Philadelphia is also very walkable. The city is known for its compact neighborhoods, with grocery stores, cafés, parks, and workplaces within walking distance. In some areas of the city, including Center City and University City, you could potentially live without a car.
Ease of travel
As intercity commuters have proven, it’s easy to travel between these two cities. Intercity buses and Amtrak trains make day trips and even work travel realistic.
The option to commute from Philly to NYC means you don’t necessarily have to choose between these two cities. That’s especially true if you can work remotely at least some of the time, so you don’t have to manage the trip every day.
Lifestyle and vibe
Practical considerations are important, but you also need to think about which city best suits your lifestyle. Here are some of the key differences.
The pace of living
NYC is known as the city that never sleeps. Its energy is constant, competitive, and fast-moving. This is a place for late nights, early mornings, and packed schedules.
Some people find that thrilling. For others, it might be exhausting.
On the other hand, Philadelphia offers a more relaxed, neighborhood-based rhythm. The city is still open and active, but daily life moves at a slower pace. Communities feel tighter, and it’s easy to carve out personal time. That makes moving to Philadelphia a good idea for people who prefer a more relaxed environment.
Outdoor life
In New York City, green spaces like Central Park and Prospect Park are big parts of the city’s fabric. They offer an escape from the dense urban jungle and allow you to enjoy some nature.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia has one of the largest urban park systems in the country: Fairmount Park. The Schuylkill River Trail also offers a way to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the city. These Philadelphia parks are less crowded than those in NYC and are deeply integrated into daily life.
Food scene
New York is a true global city, which means just about every cuisine in the world is represented here. It’s home to some of the best and most exclusive restaurants around, but also has its own traditions, shaped by centuries of immigration from across the planet.
However, Philly’s food scene is more locally rooted. The city is famous for its cheesesteaks and hoagies, but there’s a lot more going on here than just that. You’ll find many innovative chefs and neighborhood favorites, and when you’re feeling more adventurous, plenty of places that offer diverse international flavors.
Living in Philadelphia vs New York City
When deciding which city fits you best, the cost of living in Philly vs NYC is just one part of the equation. You also need to consider the job market, the quality of life, and the atmosphere you’ll get to enjoy.
New York gives you unmatched energy and a job market you won’t find anywhere else, plus the nonstop excitement of a world capital.
Philadelphia has its own rich culture, but it also offers more of a neighborhood feel, a slower pace of living, and better affordability.
If possible, it’s a good idea to visit both cities to get a feel for each place. And with the option to commute from Philly to NYC, you could also enjoy what both these iconic East Coast cities have to offer.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to live in Philadelphia or New York?
It’s far cheaper to live in Philadelphia than in New York City. From housing to groceries, transport, eating out and more, you’ll get more for less in Philly.
Can I live in Philadelphia and work in New York?
Yes, it’s possible to commute from Philadelphia to New York several times a week. By train, it takes around an hour and a half each way. This generally works better for people with a hybrid schedule, who only need to come to the office a few times a week.
Which city is safer?
Both cities are quite safe, but perhaps surprisingly, New York City’s numbers are better than Philly’s. This means crime rates are lower in NYC than those in Philadelphia, making it safer for residents, commuters, and tourists.
Do I need a car in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is infamous for its walkable neighborhoods. In places like Center City and University City, you may be able to get by without a car at all. However, if you want to live in the suburbs or enjoy the surrounding area, a car makes things much more convenient.