Philadelphia vs. New York City: Cost of Living in 2025 — What You Really Need to Know
If you’ve ever wondered whether moving to Philadelphia from New York City is worth it, this video from Marco gives you the numbers you need. In 2025, the cost gap between NYC and Philly is wider than many people expect. Below, I break down what’s driving those differences — and show you how your income, lifestyle, and housing expectations stretch further here in Philly.
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Why the Cost Gap Exists: Philly vs NYC in 2025
Let’s start with the big picture:
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According to Redfin, the cost of living in Manhattan is about 123% higher than in Philadelphia. Redfin
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BestPlaces reports that housing costs in Philadelphia are roughly 69.6% less expensive than in New York. Best Places
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Salary.com estimates living in New York is 52.9% more expensive than Philadelphia. Salary.com
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Expatistan shows Philadelphia is about 41% cheaper overall than NYC, with especially steep savings in housing, entertainment, and personal care. Expatistan, cost of living comparisons
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In rental markets, Philly often shows rent prices ~57–60% lower on average than NYC equivalents. Numbeo+1
So the difference is real — and it hits hardest in housing, but also shows up in daily life.
