Boston, MA vs Philadelphia, PA
Side-by-side rental cost comparison using HUD and Census data.
Affordability
Boston, MA: 30.0% rent burden, near the 30% affordability threshold.
Affordability
Philadelphia, PA: 31.3% rent burden, above the 30% affordability threshold.
Annual Rent Difference
$8,772/year
Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $8,772 more per year in rent than Philadelphia, PA, based on median rent figures.
Median rent difference of $731/mo × 12 months.
Core Metrics Side by Side
Boston, MA vs Philadelphia, PA
Median Rent
Median Income
Rent Burden
| Metric | Boston, MA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,981 | $1,250 |
| Median Income | $89,212 | $57,537 |
| Rent Burden | 30.0% | 31.3% |
| Population | 665,945 | 1,593,208 |
| Vacancy Rate | 9.2% | 9.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 65.2% | 47.8% |
| FMR Studio | N/A | N/A |
| FMR 1BR | N/A | N/A |
| FMR 2BR | N/A | N/A |
| FMR 3BR | N/A | N/A |
| FMR 4BR | N/A | N/A |
Boston vs Philadelphia: Which is More Affordable?
Boston, MA has a median rent of $1,981 with a median income of $89,212 (rent burden: approximately 30.0%). Philadelphia, PA has a median rent of $1,250 with a median income of $57,537 (rent burden: approximately 31.3%). (Source: Census ACS)
Despite Boston having higher raw rent, the rent burden tells a different story because incomes also tend to be higher. This illustrates why rent burden, rather than raw rent alone, is generally a more useful affordability measure.
Key Differences
Median Rent
$731/mo (58.5%)
Median Rent is $731/mo higher in Boston, MA. Boston, MA: $1,981 · Philadelphia, PA: $1,250
Median Income
$31,675/yr (55.1%)
Median Income is $31,675/yr higher in Boston, MA. Boston, MA: $89,212 · Philadelphia, PA: $57,537
Rent Burden
1.3 pts (4.2%)
Rent Burden is 1.3 pts higher in Philadelphia, PA. Boston, MA: 30.0% · Philadelphia, PA: 31.3%
Vacancy Rate
0.6 pts (6.1%)
Vacancy Rate is 0.6 pts higher in Philadelphia, PA. Boston, MA: 9.2% · Philadelphia, PA: 9.8%
What a $60,000 Salary Gets You
Following the 30% rule, a $60,000 gross salary supports up to $1,500/mo in rent before crossing the cost-burden line.
Boston, MA
Unaffordable$1,981/mo median
$481/mo over the threshold
Philadelphia, PA
Affordable$1,250/mo median
$250/mo under the threshold
The 30% rule is a rough guideline, not a rule. Budgets vary with debt, family size, and lifestyle. Calculators on this site let you model your specific situation.
HUD Fair Market Rent by Bedroom
HUD Fair Market Rent data is not available at the city level for these cities. See the parent state pages for county-level FMR context.
Who Should Consider Boston vs Philadelphia
Based on rent burden data, Boston may be better suited for renters prioritizing housing affordability, while Philadelphia tends to appeal to those who may prioritize other factors such as job market, amenities, or lifestyle preferences that justify higher housing costs.
Both cities have distinct trade-offs. Lower rent does not automatically mean a better quality of life, and higher rent does not guarantee better opportunities. Your decision may depend on employment prospects, proximity to family, lifestyle preferences, climate, and many other personal factors that housing data alone cannot capture.
What This Comparison Doesn't Cover
This comparison is based on housing cost data from the U.S. Census Bureau and HUD. It does not account for job market differences, commute times, school quality, neighborhood safety, climate, healthcare access, tax burden, or other factors that significantly affect quality of life. Actual rents vary by neighborhood, building, and lease terms. Moving decisions are deeply personal, and we encourage you to research all relevant factors before making a decision.
For a deeper look at each city, visit the full profile for Boston, MA or Philadelphia, PA.
Data Sources
**Data Sources:** - U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents
Data is updated periodically. Census ACS data reflects 5-year estimates. HUD Fair Market Rents are updated annually. BLS rent CPI is updated monthly.
Disclaimer
StayRentals is not a real estate agent, landlord, or property manager. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Rent estimates are based on government data and may not reflect current market conditions. Housing laws vary by state and municipality. Consult a local tenant rights organization or attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Sources: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents, U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index.
Data vintage: HUD FMR FY 2025, Census ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates, BLS CPI updated monthly. Government data may lag 1–2 years behind current market conditions.