Regardless of what city you relocate to, if you’re making any kind of long-distance (or even short-distance) move, your wallet will certainly feel it. However, some cities are harder on your pocketbooks than others. So, where exactly does Philadelphia fall when it comes to the cost of living?
While Philadelphia’s living expenses can seem more reasonable compared to other major cities in the northeast like Boston or New York, the cost of living in Philadelphia is still 10% higher than the national average, and housing costs, groceries, and utilities are also higher than the country’s average.
Finding out exactly how much your move costs will depend on different variables, such as what neighborhood you’re moving to within the metro area, your housing needs, and your mode of transportation. Moving costs will also vary based on the distance of the move as well as how many items you’ll need to transport.
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, this guide will break down what costs you should keep in mind when deciding whether moving to Philadelphia is right for you.
Philadelphia Housing Costs
According to NerdWallet, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment costs $1,476 while the median home price for a 3-bedroom/2-bathroom house is $419,186. Home prices are up compared to 2021, however, that growth may slow due to current economic conditions. As the housing market is still hot, you can expect a competitive home search and should begin looking for housing well in advance of moving.
Living in the city center will offer you less affordable options, while some suburbs like Milford Square and Upland offer lower costs of living. However, if you’re further out from the city center, you’ll need to consider transportation costs as well.
Daily Living, Transportation & Entertainment
As mentioned earlier, expenses like food and utilities are higher than in some other areas of the US. So, if you’re planning to move from a state or city with a lower cost of living, you should be prepared to spend a little bit more each month on those essentials.
Philadelphia has a comprehensive public transport system known as SEPTA, which includes transportation by bus, subway, and commuter rail. Those who use the public transit system frequently can purchase weekly and monthly passes, with monthly passes being $96. If you’re going to be getting around by car, the average car insurance rates in Pennsylvania are 6.4% above the national average, with an average annual premium of $1,345.
It’s also important to keep in mind that Pennsylvania is a state that has a Personal Income Tax, so if you’re relocating from a state that doesn’t have this type of tax, you’ll also need to factor that into your budget, considering it will affect your net earnings.
While things like going out to eat and entertainment aren’t necessarily the “essentials” when it comes to expenses, in a diverse and culturally rich city like Philly, it’s natural to want to explore it and enjoy all the restaurants, museums, and venues that the city has to offer. There’s always plenty to do on the weekends, and if you have family or friends visiting, they’ll likely want to explore as well – and you may need to consider this in your budget too.
While the exact expenses you’ll need to factor in will vary, Philadelphia is a large, highly-populated city with a variety of opportunities available. Like with other large cities, you can expect to pay a premium to enjoy the benefits that living in a large city brings.
Making the Move to Philadelphia
Once you’ve factored in all the costs and decided that Philadelphia is the right city for you, what is the next step? If you’ve already found accommodation, you’ll want to hire a moving company and begin the planning process ASAP, as reservations fill up quickly.
Give yourself a couple of months to begin the planning process, research different moving companies, get quotes, and decide on a moving company that you’re comfortable with. When it comes to moving your belongings – many of which may be fragile or expensive – you don’t want to wait till the last minute and choose any random company to facilitate the move.
Isaac’s Moving and Storage serves the Philadelphia area and is available for local and long-distance moves. We pride ourselves on our careful and efficient service, and over 77% of our business comes from referrals of happy customers. You can have peace of mind knowing that professional, industry-certified movers with handle your furniture and items with care.
Ready to get started on your Philadelphia move? Contact us today to get a free estimate.
