Boston vs Philadelphia

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Boston feels like approximately $39,721 in Philadelphia.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Boston feels like $39,721 in Philadelphia. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 43%.

Income

Housing

Boston

Philadelphia

Breathing Room

Housing Pressure

high

moderate

1BR Rent

$2,476/mo

$1,520/mo

State Tax

MA tax applies

PA tax applies

Take-Home /mo

$4,278

$4,624

Remote Work Fit

Boston's dense transit makes car-free remote work viable. Remote workers should weigh housing costs carefully — the metro's premium reflects in-person employment demand more than remote worker value.

Philadelphia is increasingly explored by remote workers leaving higher-cost Northeastern metros. Its transit access, cultural density, and relative housing affordability make it a compelling option for those maintaining coastal salaries.

Walk Score

Getting By

$60-80k · Boston vs Philadelphia

Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k

NOW — $60-80k

~$4,278/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Boston, your picture shifts from getting-by toward getting-by.

No city is objectively better. Boston and Philadelphia each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

Related comparisons

Boston vs New York City Boston vs Washington, DC Boston vs New York City

Boston profile Philadelphia profile Run Reality Check →

FAQ

Boston vs Philadelphia — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Boston or Philadelphia?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $2,476/mo in Boston and $1,520/mo in Philadelphia. Philadelphia has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in Philadelphia to match Boston?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Boston feels like approximately $39,721 in Philadelphia — a reduction of about 43% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Boston and Philadelphia?

Boston is in MA (MA levies income tax) and Philadelphia is in PA (PA levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.