What Salary Do You Need to Live in Philadelphia, PA?

To live comfortably in Philadelphia, a household needs to earn roughly $65,000/year. That's about $5,417/month before taxes.

The Number: $65,000/year

At $65,000 per year, a household in Philadelphia can afford median-priced rental housing at roughly 28% of gross income.

This is based on Philadelphia's median monthly rent of $1,500 and the 28% housing guideline. Source: Census ACS 2024.

Philadelphia at a Glance

Median rent$1,500/mo
Median home price$253,600
Median household income$60,521
State income tax3.07% flat
Sales tax8%

Sources: Census ACS 2024, Tax Foundation.

For Single Residents

A single person can live comfortably in Philadelphia on roughly $40,000/year. That's about $3,333/month before taxes.

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Note: Salary estimates are based on the 28% housing guideline applied to median rents from Census ACS 2024. Individual circumstances vary. Full disclaimer.

Salary Questions About Philadelphia

The median monthly rent is $1,500. Using the 30% guideline, you need about $60,000/year to afford this comfortably.

The median home price is $253,600. With a 20% down payment, you would need roughly $50,720 saved and a household income to support the mortgage payments.

The median household income is $60,521/year. Our recommended salary of $65,000/year is above the median, reflecting a comfortable (not extravagant) standard of living.