Salary Needed to Live in Philadelphia as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $21,755/year to live comfortably in Philadelphia, PA — including 10% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$21,755
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$18,733
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,124
2% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Philadelphia
| Expense | Philadelphia | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $136 | $113 | +20% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $23 | $17 | +35% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $10 | $14 | -29% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $23 | $26 | -12% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $212 | $229 | -7% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $62 | $58 | +7% |
| Internet | $66 | $65 | +2% |
| Phone | $87 | $85 | +2% |
| Dining & Social | $306 | $300 | +2% |
| Entertainment | $122 | $120 | +2% |
| Personal Care | $77 | $75 | +3% |
| Total Monthly | $1,124 | $1,102 | +2% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,124
Target savings (10%):$145/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,269
Effective tax rate:28%
Gross annual salary needed:$21,755
Other Household Types in Philadelphia
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Philadelphia?
A single person needs approximately $21,755/year ($1,813/month gross) to live comfortably in Philadelphia with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Philadelphia?
A studio/1br in Philadelphia costs approximately $136/month, which is the largest single expense at 12% of the total budget.
Is Philadelphia affordable for a single person?
Philadelphia is roughly average for single person costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.