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City Comparison · 2026

Philadelphia vs New York City

Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared

Purchasing Power

$100k in Philadelphia = $160k in New York City

Metric
Philadelphia
New York City
COL Index
1.33
2.13
1BR Monthly Rent
$1,800/mo
$3,500/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$2,300/mo
$4,500/mo
State Income Tax
PA
NY
$100k Take-Home
$75,666
$73,522
$100k Effective Rate
24.33%
26.48%
$100k Savings Potential
$54,066
$31,522

After-Tax Income by Salary

Gross SalaryPhiladelphia
PA
New York City
NY
$60,000$48,406
$4,034/mo · 19.32% eff.
$47,420
$3,952/mo · 20.97% eff.
$100,000$75,666
$6,306/mo · 24.33% eff.
$73,522
$6,127/mo · 26.48% eff.
$150,000$108,673
$9,056/mo · 27.55% eff.
$104,939
$8,745/mo · 30.04% eff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philadelphia or New York City cheaper to live in?

Philadelphia has a cost-of-living index of 1.33 while New York City is 2.13 (1.00 = US average). Philadelphia is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Philadelphia is $1,800/month vs $3,500/month in New York City.

How much more do you need to earn in New York City vs Philadelphia?

$100k in Philadelphia = $160k in New York City. Cost of living in New York City is higher by 60.2%.

Which city has better after-tax income — Philadelphia or New York City?

On a $100,000 salary, you take home $75,666 in PA (Philadelphia) and $73,522 in NY (New York City). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $54,066 in Philadelphia vs $31,522 in New York City.