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Philadelphia vs Seattle: prices, pay and housing
| Philadelphia, PA | Seattle, WA | |
|---|---|---|
| BEA price parity (U.S. = 100) | 102.6 | 111.1 |
| Average salary, all jobs | $71,730 | $91,790 |
| Median salary, all jobs | $54,310 | $72,610 |
| Average salary adjusted for prices | $69,944 | $82,595 |
| Take-home on the average salary* | $57,090 | $73,404 |
| Typical home value | $390,463 | $750,279 |
| Median household income | $89,273 | $112,594 |
| Home price / household income | 4.4 | 6.7 |
| Metro population | 6,241,882 | 4,021,467 |
*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 Seattle
To keep the same standard of living when moving from Philadelphia to Seattle, multiply your salary by 1.084.
| Salary in Philadelphia | Same buying power in Seattle |
|---|---|
| $50,000 in Philadelphia | $54,183 in Seattle |
| $75,000 in Philadelphia | $81,274 in Seattle |
| $100,000 in Philadelphia | $108,365 in Seattle |
| $150,000 in Philadelphia | $162,548 in Seattle |
| $200,000 in Philadelphia | $216,731 in Seattle |
Salaries for common jobs in Philadelphia and Seattle
| Job | Philadelphia | Seattle | Adjusted for prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developers | $136,050 | $174,920 | $132,662 / $157,397 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $32,250 | $49,500 | $31,447 / $44,541 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $31,880 | $42,260 | $31,086 / $38,027 |
| Retail Salespersons | $36,970 | $45,020 | $36,049 / $40,510 |
| Registered Nurses | $101,400 | $126,390 | $98,875 / $113,729 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $97,360 | $110,050 | $94,935 / $99,025 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $39,140 | $47,470 | $38,165 / $42,715 |
| Cashiers | $32,970 | $44,720 | $32,149 / $40,240 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $43,930 | $49,650 | $42,836 / $44,676 |
| General and Operations Managers | $145,650 | $169,740 | $142,023 / $152,736 |
| Office Clerks, General | $48,560 | $56,470 | $47,351 / $50,813 |
| Project Management Specialists | $113,080 | $133,590 | $110,264 / $120,207 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $39,610 | $49,380 | $38,624 / $44,433 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $41,390 | $62,940 | $40,359 / $56,635 |
| Customer Service Representatives | $49,100 | $56,350 | $47,877 / $50,705 |
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Average salary vs. price-adjusted salary
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Philadelphia vs Seattle: questions
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Seattle?
No. BEA prices are 102.6 in Philadelphia, PA and 111.1 in Seattle, WA (U.S. = 100).
What salary do I need in Seattle to match $100,000 in Philadelphia?
About $108,365, before taxes.
Where do salaries go further, Philadelphia or Seattle?
Seattle, WA: 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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