If you’re planning a move to Philadelphia or tightening your budget, here are clear, 2025-updated figures on rent, groceries, transport, and connectivity. For a single adult, a realistic baseline (no savings or big extras) runs about $3,395/mo after tax. If you want room for savings, dining out, and buffer, target a “comfortable” budget around $5,000–$5,500/mo depending on your rent and lifestyle.¹

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single Adult in Philadelphia

Essentials (using current medians) — rent, groceries, transit, and internet & mobile — add to roughly $2,840/mo:

• Rent (citywide median, all unit types): ~$1,660/mo.²
• Groceries (1 adult): ~$392/mo (=$4,701/yr).¹
• Transportation (avg, mixed modes): ~$612/mo (=$7,342/yr).¹
• Internet & Mobile: ~$174/mo (=$2,086/yr).¹

Note on utilities: MIT’s “housing” cost uses HUD gross rent and generally includes basic utilities (except phone/internet/cable). If your lease excludes some utilities, add those separately; if it’s all-in, don’t double-count.¹

Housing Costs: Rent, Buying, and Neighborhood Differences

Citywide rent (Sep 2025): median ≈ $1,660 across all unit types. Typical 1BR ≈ $1,495; 2BR ≈ $1,755. Premium pockets (e.g., Center City, Rittenhouse) run higher; value areas (e.g., parts of Kensington, Frankford) run lower. Always compare your target neighborhood against the city median.²

Home values (city): Zillow’s typical value sits near $234,799 (city only; metro is higher). Whether buying beats renting depends on rate, term, down payment, taxes/insurance, and how long you’ll stay.³

Buying vs. Renting

• Renting favors flexibility and lower upfront costs; expect ongoing rent at or above the medians above.
• Buying can build equity if you’ll stay several years; run a full monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) and HOA/maintenance comparison before deciding.

Transportation: Public Transit, Driving, and Biking Expenses

Average annual transportation (1 adult): ~$7,342 (≈ $612/mo) based on typical mixed usage. A SEPTA Monthly TransPass is now $116 (effective Sept 14, 2025), which can be far cheaper than car ownership if you ride often.^{1, 4}

Public Transit Costs

• Monthly TransPass: $116 (bus, trolley, subway).⁴
• Gas (PA avg): ~low $3s per gallon as of Oct 2025; driving costs swing with insurance, parking, and miles.⁵
• Walk/Bike readiness: Walk Score ≈ 75, Bike Score ≈ 67 — good for mixing in low-cost trips.⁶

Groceries and Dining Out: Typical Prices and Tips to Save

Groceries (baseline): about $392/mo for one adult from MIT’s basket. Dining out varies widely; treat it as a separate, optional line item and trim it first if you need savings.¹

Utilities, Internet, and Cell Phone Costs

Most rentals quote “gross” rent that includes basic utilities (not phone/internet/cable). Plan for Internet & Mobile ≈ $174/mo. If your lease bills electric/gas/water separately, add those actuals — but avoid double-counting if they’re already in your rent.¹

Healthcare, Child Care, and Education Expenses

• Medical (1 adult): ~$3,488/yr (≈ $291/mo).¹
• Child care (daycare per child): ~$17,685/yr (city/county baseline).¹

What Salary You Need to Live Comfortably in Philadelphia

Baseline (no extras): Required income ≈ $48,387/yr before tax for one adult in Philadelphia County (=$40,736 after tax ≈ $3,395/mo).¹

Comfort target: If you want savings, travel, and a nicer apartment, aim for roughly $60k–$65k+, adjusting up if your rent is above the city median.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Philadelphia?

MIT’s baseline for one adult is ~$3,395/mo after tax. Actual spend varies with rent, car ownership, and lifestyle.¹

Is rent expensive in Philadelphia?

Citywide median rent is about $1,660/mo (all unit types). 1BR and 2BR medians run about $1,495 and $1,755 respectively; popular neighborhoods trend higher.²

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Philadelphia?

Baseline requirement is ~$48.4k/yr pre-tax. Many single adults target **$60k–$65k** to include savings and non-essentials — more if renting above the median.¹

Sources

1. MIT Living Wage Calculator — Philadelphia County (data updated Feb 10, 2025): livingwage.mit.edu/counties/42101v
2. Zumper — Philadelphia, PA Median Rents (last updated Sep 30, 2025): zumper.com/rent-research/philadelphia-pa
3. Zillow — Typical Home Value (Philadelphia city): zillow.com/home-values/65843/philadelphia-pa
4. SEPTA — New Fare Prices (effective Sept 14, 2025; Monthly TransPass $116): septa.org/news/restored-service-schedules
5. AAA — Pennsylvania Average Gas Prices (checked Oct 1, 2025): gasprices.aaa.com/?state=PA
6. Walk Score — Philadelphia (Walk 75, Transit 67, Bike 67): walkscore.com/PA/Philadelphia