Living in Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is the 6th-largest city in the US, home to about 1.57 million people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (102.6 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 1,574,281-1.8% since 2020
- Median home value
- $243,1003.9 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,397/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $61,953median, per year
- Price level
- 102.6US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 41° / 88°lows 26° / 70°
- Average commute
- 32 min18% work from home
- State income tax
- 3.07%top rate, flat
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County: Philadelphia County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 39 ft
Metro area: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Cost of living in Philadelphia
The median home in Philadelphia is worth $243,100 and the median household earns $61,953 a year, so a typical home costs about 3.9 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,397 a month, about 27% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metro area at 102.6, with housing at 113.1 and goods at 96.8 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $76,900 here. Pennsylvania taxes wages at a top rate of 3.07% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Pennsylvania is 6.34%.
What would my salary be worth in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia weather
Average highs run from 41°F in January to 88°F in July, and January nights average 26°F. It gets 44 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 23 inches of snow. Expect about 30 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 77 times a year. The most comfortable months are April to June and August to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Philadelphia
People and work
The median resident is 35.3 years old, and 35% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 52% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 32 minutes; 18% of workers work from home and 17% take public transit.
- Median age
- 35.3202nd youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 35%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 52%of households
- People per sq mile
- 11,720134.3 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 17%7% walk, 1.8% bike
- Unemployment
- 8.1%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 21.4%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1949median year
Who moves to Philadelphia, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), Pittsburgh (Allegheny County) and Washington (District of Columbia). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), Chicago (Cook County) and Pittsburgh (Allegheny County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Largest employers
The biggest employers in Philadelphia, as listed in the city's own annual financial report (fiscal 2023, 2022 figures). The report lists them alphabetically, without head counts.
- Albert Einstein Medical Center
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- City of Philadelphia
- Comcast
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
- School District of Philadelphia
- SEPTA
- Temple University
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals
- University of Pennsylvania
Source: City of Philadelphia Annual Comprehensive Financial Report FY2023, Table 18, Principal Employers. Employee counts are as reported to the city and may include workers outside city limits. Where do locals like to eat and shop? See local favorites.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Very High
FEMA rating for Philadelphia County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: inland flooding, heat wave, winter weather, cold wave.
Home prices
+4.3% in a year
Up 34% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Philadelphia, PA (MSAD) area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
41% good days
13 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Philadelphia
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Citizens Bank Park 7 miles
- University of Pennsylvania 4 miles
- Temple University 2 miles
- Rowan University 20 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Philadelphia
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia International Airport PHL | 10 mi | 15,102,261 |
| Trenton-Mercer Airport TTN | 26 mi | 241,950 |
| New Castle Airport ILG | 33 mi | 125,071 |
| Lehigh Valley International Airport ABE | 47 mi | 447,899 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Philadelphia
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temple University | 2 mi | 20,970 | $23,058 | 73% |
| Rowan University | 20 mi | 15,841 | $23,938 | 69% |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania | 24 mi | 14,164 | $24,778 | 68% |
| Drexel University | 4 mi | 13,233 | $37,529 | 78% |
| Community College of Philadelphia | 3 mi | 11,948 | $11,751 | 23% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 4 mi | 10,650 | $29,577 | 97% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Philadelphia
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 2, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 31 and the first frost comes around November 10.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Philadelphia Intl. Airport, PA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Philadelphia.
Wildfire smoke in Philadelphia
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Philadelphia on about 114 days a year, including about 23 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Philadelphia
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 679,428 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Philadelphia
Downtown Philadelphia is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia City School District | Pre-K to 12 | 120,057 | 220 | 15.0 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Upper Darby School District (12,356 students), Cherry Hill Township School District (10,910 students), Lower Merion School District (8,533 students), Abington School District (8,400 students), Camden City School District (7,074 students), Haverford Township School District (6,511 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Philadelphia's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Philadelphia's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Columbus, OH73% matchCompare
- Cincinnati, OH72% matchCompare
- Indianapolis, IN71% matchCompare
- O'Fallon, MO70% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Philadelphia
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Philadelphia
- Bear Creek Ski and Recreation Area 41 miles
- Blue Marsh Ski Resort 59 miles
- Blue Mountain Ski Area 60 miles
- Shawnee Mountain Ski Area 72 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Philadelphia
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data 17% of workers take public transit, so living without a car is realistic.
Cons
- Data Commutes are long: 32 minutes each way on average.
- Data High natural hazard risk in Philadelphia County (FEMA rates it very high), led by inland flooding, heat wave and winter weather.
Philadelphia report card from locals
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Philadelphia through locals' eyes
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Cities near Philadelphia
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, DE | 28 mi | 73,512 | $231,400 | 102.6 | Compare |
| Trenton, NJ | 30 mi | 91,506 | $160,700 | 103.2 | Compare |
| Allentown, PA | 45 mi | 126,044 | $206,600 | 100.0 | Compare |
| Bethlehem, PA | 47 mi | 79,644 | $260,400 | 100.0 | Compare |
| Reading, PA | 48 mi | 95,832 | $121,300 | 97.1 | Compare |
| Elizabeth, NJ | 68 mi | 141,675 | $449,300 | 112.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Looking at the suburbs? Hockessin, Springdale and Greentree lead our ranking of the best suburbs of Philadelphia.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Philadelphia with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Philadelphia a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show homes that cost under four years of median income, 6 comfortable months a year; the trade-offs are long commutes. Compare Philadelphia side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Philadelphia?
The Census Bureau estimates Philadelphia had 1,574,281 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 1,603,800 in April 2020 (-1.8%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Philadelphia?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $76,900 in the Philadelphia area. The median household here earns $61,953.
When is the best time to visit Philadelphia?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to June and August to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 88°F and January 41°F for daytime highs.
What county is Philadelphia in?
Philadelphia is in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Philadelphia in?
Philadelphia is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Philadelphia?
About 39 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Pennsylvania have a state income tax?
Yes. Pennsylvania has a flat income tax with a top rate of 3.07% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Philadelphia. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Philadelphia Intl. Airport, PA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.