Bethlehem, PA vs Philadelphia, PA: Cost of Living Comparison
Philadelphia has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Bethlehem | Philadelphia | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 83 | 82 | Philadelphia |
| Housing | 68 ($918) | 67 ($926) | Philadelphia |
| Transportation | 107 ($3.50) | 110 ($3.50) | Bethlehem |
| Food & groceries | 89 ($365) | 81 ($332) | Philadelphia |
| Utilities | 84 ($122) | 84 ($121) | Tie |
| Healthcare | 84 ($88) | 84 ($87) | Tie |
| Median annual wage | 102 ($49,690) | 102 ($49,690) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethlehem, PA or Philadelphia, PA cheaper to live in?
Philadelphia, PA is cheaper overall by about 1 index points (Bethlehem, PA: 83, Philadelphia, PA: 82; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Bethlehem, PA vs Philadelphia, PA?
A single adult needs roughly $29,050/year in Bethlehem, PA and $28,700/year in Philadelphia, PA to cover basic living costs.