Philadelphia

United States ·Pennsylvania · Americas ·UTC UTC-5/UTC-4
Cost Medium
Safety ★★★☆☆
English Excellent
Currency USD $

City Overview

Philadelphia is a historic city of the US Northeast and the sixth-largest US city — where the Declaration of Independence was signed and America’s first capital (the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall). Strong in education and healthcare (Penn, Drexel), with biotech and finance. Between New York and Washington, it is well-connected and cheaper than both. Walkable, with a rich history and arts scene — the economic and cultural center of eastern Pennsylvania.

Cost of Living Snapshot

1BR Apartment $1,500–2,300/mo (center); $1,150–1,750/mo (outer)
Dining Out $12–18 (quick meal); $50–95 (restaurant for 2)
Monthly Transport Transit pass ~$96/mo; Uber starts $7–11
Monthly Groceries $340–530/mo (groceries)
USD Reference: (Directly in USD)
Full Cost of Living Report →

Data above is approximate. Actual costs vary by location, timing, and personal lifestyle.

Getting Around

SEPTA subway/bus/regional rail; Key card works across them. Amtrak to New York (~1.5 h)/Washington. Philadelphia International (PHL). Walkable; compact historic core.

Why Live Here

  • Founding-era historic city (Liberty Bell/Independence Hall)
  • Top universities (Penn); biotech
  • On the NY-DC corridor; lower cost

Popular Neighborhoods

City Center Center City (core)
International Hub University City (universities/research)
Quiet & Residential Fishtown/Northern Liberties (culture/livable)
Budget-Friendly Outer suburbs (value)
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Data Updated: 2026-06-19