City comparison

New York vs Philadelphia

New York scores higher on salary; Philadelphia has a lower cost of living. Compare New York and Philadelphia on earnings, rent pressure, career opportunity, and 3-year financial impact.

Overall verdict

Philadelphia scores higher overall

Philadelphia is a mixed trade-off compared to your current city

How they compare

If you want to save more

New YorkOverall fitPhiladelphia
57 / 61+4 Philadelphia
New YorkSavingsPhiladelphia
50 / 57+7 Philadelphia
New YorkCareerPhiladelphia
90 / 67+23 New
New YorkLow pressurePhiladelphia
46 / 67+21 Philadelphia

If you want career growth

New YorkOverall fitPhiladelphia
73 / 65+8 New
New YorkSavingsPhiladelphia
50 / 57+7 Philadelphia
New YorkCareerPhiladelphia
90 / 67+23 New
New YorkLow pressurePhiladelphia
46 / 67+21 Philadelphia

If you want better balance

New YorkOverall fitPhiladelphia
65 / 65
New YorkSavingsPhiladelphia
50 / 57+7 Philadelphia
New YorkCareerPhiladelphia
90 / 67+23 New
New YorkLow pressurePhiladelphia
46 / 67+21 Philadelphia

Financial impact: moving from New York to Philadelphia

Based on a representative $80,000 USD salary. Not tax-adjusted.

-$140
Monthly
-$1,680
1 year
-$5,040
3 years

Moving from New York to Philadelphia: trade-offs

You gain

+Less financial pressure — lower rent-to-income ratio means more breathing room

You lose

Smaller career market — fewer top-tier roles and lower salary ceiling than your current city

New York

US
Salary index
86
Cost index
86
Rent pressure
54
Opportunity
92

Philadelphia

US
Salary index
66
Cost index
58
Rent pressure
33
Opportunity
68

Get a personalised verdict for your salary

The comparison above uses a representative salary. Enter yours for an accurate picture.

Compare with my salary →