Quick answer
Raleigh costs $375/month less overall ($1,975 vs $2,350/mo). But Philadelphia's 3.07% state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $1,144/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Philadelphia vs Raleigh
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Philadelphia vs Raleigh at a Glance
| Metric | Philadelphia | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,800 | $1,860 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,350 | $1,860 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $280K ✓ | $420K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $155 | $145 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $395 | $350 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,350 | $1,975 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 79/100 ✓ | 34/100 |
| Transit Score | 67/100 ✓ | 25/100 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% ✓ | 4.5% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Raleigh's 1BR averages $1,480/month vs $1,800 in Philadelphia — a $320/month difference, or $3,840/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Philadelphia charges 3.07% state income tax vs 4.5% in Raleigh. On an $80K salary that's a $1,144/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,400 vs $3,684 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Philadelphia are $280K vs $420K in Raleigh. At a 20% down payment, that's a $28,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Philadelphia utilities run $10 more per month than Raleigh. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Raleigh, NC
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Raleigh. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Philadelphia
Four seasons; hot humid summers, cold winters with snow, beautiful fall foliage
Raleigh
Four mild seasons; hot humid summers (heat index 100–105°F in July), light winters, excellent spring and fall
Job Market
Philadelphia top industries
Raleigh top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Philadelphia if…
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a researchers
- →You're a urban lifestyle seekers
- →You're a NYC workers seeking lower costs
- →You want to live without a car
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Raleigh if…
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a biotech / pharma professionals
- →You're a researchers
- →You're a young families
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Raleigh is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,975 in Raleigh vs $2,350 in Philadelphia — a $375/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Philadelphia or Raleigh?
Philadelphia is more walkable with a Walk Score of 79/100 vs 34/100. Raleigh is more car-dependent.
Philadelphia vs Raleigh: which has lower state income tax?
Philadelphia has lower state income tax (3.07%). On an $80K salary, that saves $1,144/year vs Raleigh (4.5%).
Is Philadelphia or Raleigh better for buying a home?
Philadelphia has lower median home prices at $280K vs $420K in Raleigh — a $140,000 difference on the median home.