- 7 Things To Know About Living in Philadelphia
- Pros and Cons of Living in Philadelphia
- Tips for Moving to Philadelphia
- Getting Ready for Your Move to Philadelphia
Philadelphia is one of the few U.S. cities where you can walk past 300-year-old architecture, grab lunch from a nationally recognized food scene, and be home in a quiet neighborhood—all in the same afternoon.
It’s a city built on history, but one that continues to evolve, drawing in people who want big-city amenities without the pace or price tag of places like New York or Washington, D.C. It’s no surprise that this unique combination of ease of living and urban energy continues to draw thousands of new residents to Philly every year.
If you’re considering relocating, the first step is to get an idea of what moving to Philadelphia will look like for you. This guide walks through what living in Philadelphia is really all about—including the pros and cons—so you can decide if it’s the right fit.
7 Things To Know About Living in Philadelphia
Philadelphia offers walkable neighborhoods, a strong job market, and a lower cost of living than many major East Coast cities. It also has quirks that can surprise new residents if they’re not prepared.
Here are some of the top things people often wish they knew before moving, and they can make a big difference when planning a smooth transition.
1. The Cost of Living in Philadelphia Is Lower Than in Many Major Cities
One of the biggest draws of moving to Philadelphia is affordability. Compared to cities like New York or Boston, the cost of living in Philadelphia is significantly lower, especially for housing. For example, someone earning $100,000 in New York would only need to make about $45,800 in Philadelphia to maintain a similar standard of living. That’s a 54.2% difference!
That said, there are a few local costs to consider: Philadelphia has a city wage tax in addition to Pennsylvania’s flat state income tax, and transportation or parking costs can add up depending on where you live.
What salary is needed to live in Philadelphia? According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single adult needs just over $52,000 before to cover basic expenses, but a more comfortable salary using the 50/30/20 rule (allowing room for savings and discretionary spending) lands closer to $70,000–$80,000.
For many folks, that balance of affordability and city amenities is a major reason why living in Philadelphia makes sense.
2. The Best Places to Live in Philadelphia Offer Something for Everyone
Philadelphia is home to more than 150 distinct neighborhoods. Some areas, known for their walkability and nightlife, are ideal for young professionals, while others are ideal for families looking for quiet streets, good schools, and easy access to outdoor spaces. And then there are neighborhoods in between, which balance city convenience with a slower pace of life.
For a deeper look at how different areas compare, check out our full guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Philadelphia. For now, here are some of the neighborhoods that stand out as the best places to live in Philly:
Fishtown: Best for Young Adults
Fishtown is where a lot of young professionals end up—and for good reason. What used to be an industrial neighborhood has turned into one of Philly’s most energetic areas. Frankford Avenue is the center of it all, with bars, breweries, coffee shops, and music venues lining the street. The concentration of spots makes it easy to spend an evening out without leaving the neighborhood.
Chestnut Hill: Best for Families
Tucked into the northwest corner of Philly, Chestnut Hill offers a breather from city life, with wide streets, historic stone homes, and a noticeably slower pace. It’s still part of Philadelphia, but it feels more like a small town in itself. Help the kids burn off energy at nearby Wissahickon Valley Park, a local favorite known for its miles of hiking trails and outdoor terrain to explore.
Fairmount: Best for Retirees
Whether you’re in your golden years or just want to be able to stay active without the noise and crowds of City Center, Fairmount is an ideal spot that strikes a comfortable balance. Sitting alongside Fairmount Park, the neighborhood offers easy access to walking paths, museums, and some of the city’s best outdoor spaces. The streets are quieter, and the pace is slower for an atmosphere that feels more residential.
3. The Philadelphia Housing Market Is Less Volatile Than Many Major Cities
The Philadelphia housing market is more affordable than most large cities in the Northeast, with the average home value sitting around $227,000. This is significantly lower than cities like New York, Boston, or Washington, D.C., where median home prices often exceed $600,000. While home values have increased over the past few years, growth has been more sustainable than in many other metro areas.
Renters will find a welcoming market as well, with average rent hovering right below $2,000 per month, depending on neighborhood and building type. Overall, Philadelphia remains one of the few large cities where buying or renting can still feel realistic for people planning to stay long term.
4. Philadelphia Weather Can Be Unpredictable
Living in Philadelphia means noticing the weather right away. Simply put, summers are hot. Heat waves aren’t uncommon, especially in July and August, so air conditioning is a must for most homes and apartments.
Winters are cold, though not as severe as in cities farther north, such as Chicago and Boston. Expect occasional snow and icy conditions.
Philadelphia typically does not experience severe weather like hurricanes or tornadoes, but remnants of coastal storms can occasionally bring heavy rain and strong winds. In short, the city experiences all four seasons, which many residents enjoy, but be prepared for temperature swings throughout the year.
5. The Philadelphia Job Market Has Diverse Opportunities
The Philadelphia job market includes strong employment in healthcare and education, financial services, life sciences, technology, and manufacturing. These industries offer a range of roles, from clinical and research jobs to corporate and tech positions.
The local job market has grown since the pandemic, with employment in the region increasing steadily in recent years. Unemployment in the Philadelphia metro area has hovered near early-2025 levels around 4–5%, which is close to or slightly above the national average.
6. Philadelphia Has a Personality All Its Own
Part of what makes living in Philadelphia unique is the city’s personality. Philly blends history, art, and everyday life in ways you don’t see elsewhere. The city is home to thousands of murals, making entire neighborhoods feel like open-air galleries, and it’s also where the famous Rocky Steps draw locals for daily workouts and photo ops.
Philadelphia’s history shows up in unexpected ways, too. From the Mütter Museum’s medical oddities to the fact that City Hall was once the tallest building in the world, the city has a habit of mixing the historic with the unconventional. It’s a place that doesn’t try to impress, but manages to stand apart nonetheless.
7. There’s Always Something to Do in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, what people do day to day is often built into the neighborhoods themselves.
Some of the things people actually spend their time doing include:
- Going Out At Night: Low-key bars, live music spots, and cocktail lounges are spread across neighborhoods like Fishtown, Center City, and South Philly, rather than concentrated in one area.
- Watching Sports: Game days are a big deal here. Eagles Sundays, Phillies summer games, and playoff runs take over entire neighborhoods.
- Eating Your Way Through The City: Philly’s food scene goes far beyond cheesesteaks. See our guide on Where to Eat in Philadelphia.
- Spending Time Outside: Fairmount Park, the Schuylkill River Trail, and neighborhood parks give residents space.
- Exploring Art and Culture: Murals cover entire blocks, museums are everywhere, and galleries and pop-up shows are common.
- Finding Low-Cost Things To Do: Festivals, free museum days, outdoor events, and neighborhood gatherings make it easy to stay busy. See our guide on the Best and Low-Budget Things to Do in Philadelphia.
Pros and Cons of Living in Philadelphia
What makes Philadelphia appealing for one person may be a drawback for another. Below is a clear look at the pros and cons of living in Philadelphia.
Pros of Living in Philadelphia
- More affordable than other major Northeast cities, especially when it comes to housing
- Walkable neighborhoods with strong public transit options
- Diverse job market, including healthcare, education, finance, and tech
- Strong food and arts scene, from local restaurants to museums and music venues
- Access to parks and outdoor space, including Fairmount Park and nearby trails
- Easy access to nearby cities and getaways, including New York, D.C., and the Jersey Shore
Cons of Living in Philadelphia
- City wage tax, in addition to the Pennsylvania state income tax
- Older infrastructure, which can mean higher maintenance costs or aging buildings
- Traffic and parking challenges, especially in dense neighborhoods
- Hot, humid summers and cold winters
Is Philadelphia a good place to live? Philly appeals to those looking for the perks of a major city without the pace or price tag of places like New York or Boston. While it offers pros such as walkable neighborhoods, a strong local culture, and a sense of history, it does require patience due to older infrastructure, weather extremes, and parking challenges.
Tips for Moving to Philadelphia
Moving to Philadelphia comes with a few quirks that don’t always show up in other cities.
Schedule Early, Especially During Peak Moving Season
Summer weekends, end-of-month leases, and college move-ins make moving season busy in Philadelphia. Movers can book up quickly, and neighborhoods near major universities like Temple and Penn see especially heavy moving traffic in late summer. Lock in your moving dates early for fewer headaches.
Arrange for Parking Permits and Reservations
Some Philadelphia neighborhoods require permits or street reservations for moving trucks. In areas like South Philly, Center City, and parts of West Philly, curb space is heavily contested, with parking closely enforced. Failure to obtain a permit or reserve a spot ahead of moving day may lead to tickets or delays.
Account for Narrow Streets and Limited Truck Access
Philadelphia was built hundreds of years before modern moving trucks existed, with many streets designed for foot traffic, carts, and horses—not box trucks. On moving day, watch out for tight one-way streets and limited curb space, and be prepared to rent a smaller truck or pay extra fees for shuttle services.
Be Prepared for Multi-Step Moves
Moves in Philadelphia often happen in stages. Renovations and delayed move-in dates are common, especially with older rowhomes, where repairs, stair constraints, or utility upgrades can push back full move-ins. Planning for temporary housing and storage upfront helps avoid last-minute scrambles.
Plan for Storage Early
Storage often becomes part of the moving process in Philadelphia, even for people who don’t expect to need it. Many homes are older rowhouses or apartments with limited closet space and narrow layouts. Basements, when they exist, are often unfinished, low-ceilinged, or reserved for utilities rather than storage. This leaves little room for overflow items.
Getting Ready for Your Move to Philadelphia
Philadelphia offers a mix of history, neighborhoods, and everyday livability that makes it an appealing place to call home. A little preparation goes a long way in making your move smoother and less stressful.
When you’re getting ready to move, having extra space makes all the difference. CubeSmart offers convenient Philadelphia self-storage options, including climate-controlled units in locations across the city.* Make your move to Philadelphia easier and more organized. Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
