Moving to Philadelphia, PA

Thinking about moving to Philadelphia, PA? Here's the practical picture: the cost of living runs at an index of 101 (100 is the national average), a typical two-bedroom rents for about $1,750/month, summers average 65°F, and Pennsylvania has a top income tax rate of 3.07%. Below: cost of living, climate, utilities, the best time to move, and popular routes into Philadelphia.

Cost of living
101
Typical 2BR rent
$1,750/mo
Avg summer high
65°F
Avg winter low
48°F

Cost of living in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's cost-of-living index is 101 against a national baseline of 100, and a two-bedroom rental averages roughly $1,750 per month. Pennsylvania levies a top income tax rate of 3.07% and an average combined sales tax of 6.34%. Build your first-year budget around these figures, not just the cost of the move.

Climate and best time to move

Expect average summer highs near 65°F, winter lows around 48°F, and about 41.5 inches of precipitation a year in Philadelphia. Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher. Weather is moderate most of the year; any off-peak month works well.

Setting up utilities in Philadelphia

Line up your utilities before move day. In the Philadelphia–Camden area that typically means PECO, Philadelphia Water, Philadelphia Gas Works. Schedule electricity and gas to turn on the day before you arrive so you never walk into a dark home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Philadelphia expensive to live in?
Philadelphia has a cost-of-living index of 101 (100 = US average), with typical 2BR rent around $1,750/month.
What's the weather like in Philadelphia?
Summer highs average 65°F, winter lows about 48°F, with roughly 41.5 inches of annual precipitation.
When is the best time to move to Philadelphia?
Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher.

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Sources

  • MERIC / BestPlaces metro cost index, 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • Zillow Observed Rent Index (metro), 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • Tax Foundation, 2025 State Tax Data — retrieved 2026-01-15