Safe Rate Local

Cost of Living in Philadelphia County

Is it better to rent or buy in Philadelphia County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

← Back to Philadelphia County Hub

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$65,904
$1,407/mo

Median in area: $1,407

$275,636

Median in area: $275,636

$55,127

If you Rent

🔑
$1,582 /mo
Base Rent$1,407
Est. Utilities$175
% of Income28.8%
Pre-tax Residual$3,910

If you Buy

🏠
$1,921 /mo
P&I (7.055%)$1,475
Taxes & Ins$271
Est. Utilities$175
% of Income35.0%
Pre-tax Residual$3,571

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Philadelphia County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyBurlington County, NJ
$1,851/mo
countyCamden County, NJ
$1,541/mo
countyBucks County, PA
$1,754/mo
countyDelaware County, PA
$1,566/mo
countyMontgomery County, PA
$1,773/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Philadelphia County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Philadelphia County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,582, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,921 per month (a difference of $339).

How much do utilities cost in Philadelphia County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Philadelphia County is approximately $175. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Philadelphia County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Philadelphia County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $63,280 per year.