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Philadelphia vs Washington: prices, pay and housing
| Philadelphia, PA | Washington, DC | |
|---|---|---|
| BEA price parity (U.S. = 100) | 102.6 | 108.9 |
| Average salary, all jobs | $71,730 | $91,930 |
| Median salary, all jobs | $54,310 | $71,060 |
| Average salary adjusted for prices | $69,944 | $84,429 |
| Take-home on the average salary* | $57,090 | $68,657 |
| Typical home value | $390,463 | $583,013 |
| Median household income | $89,273 | $123,896 |
| Home price / household income | 4.4 | 4.7 |
| Metro population | 6,241,882 | 6,263,796 |
*Single filer, federal and state income tax and FICA (2026 rules); city income taxes included where we model them.
Compare with another city or state
Equivalent salary: Philadelphia to Washington
To keep the same standard of living when moving from Philadelphia to Washington, multiply your salary by 1.062.
| Salary in Philadelphia | Same buying power in Washington |
|---|---|
| $50,000 in Philadelphia | $53,086 in Washington |
| $75,000 in Philadelphia | $79,629 in Washington |
| $100,000 in Philadelphia | $106,172 in Washington |
| $150,000 in Philadelphia | $159,259 in Washington |
| $200,000 in Philadelphia | $212,345 in Washington |
Salaries for common jobs in Philadelphia and Washington
| Job | Philadelphia | Washington | Adjusted for prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | $145,650 | $163,620 | $142,023 / $150,270 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $97,360 | $113,390 | $94,935 / $104,138 |
| Software Developers | $136,050 | $153,100 | $132,662 / $140,608 |
| Retail Salespersons | $36,970 | $39,600 | $36,049 / $36,369 |
| Management Analysts | $109,970 | $145,310 | $107,231 / $133,454 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $31,880 | $35,550 | $31,086 / $32,649 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $39,610 | $39,660 | $38,624 / $36,424 |
| Cashiers | $32,970 | $36,630 | $32,149 / $33,641 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $32,250 | $39,110 | $31,447 / $35,919 |
| Lawyers | $186,600 | $226,780 | $181,953 / $208,277 |
| Registered Nurses | $101,400 | $104,590 | $98,875 / $96,056 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $41,390 | $51,820 | $40,359 / $47,592 |
| Managers, All Other | $152,210 | $176,670 | $148,419 / $162,255 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $96,100 | $113,640 | $93,707 / $104,368 |
| Security Guards | $42,180 | $54,430 | $41,130 / $49,989 |
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Average salary vs. price-adjusted salary
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Philadelphia vs Washington: questions
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Washington?
No. BEA prices are 102.6 in Philadelphia, PA and 108.9 in Washington, DC (U.S. = 100).
What salary do I need in Washington to match $100,000 in Philadelphia?
About $106,172, before taxes.
Where do salaries go further, Philadelphia or Washington?
Washington, DC: once prices are counted, its average salary buys more.
Sources and how to read this page
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas.
- Home values: Zillow Home Value Index; income and population: Census ACS 5-year 2023.
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