Pennsylvania / Philadelphia County

Moving to Philadelphia, PA

Thinking of making a move to Philadelphia, PA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Philadelphia, PA

Considering a move to Philadelphia, PA? This welcoming community of 1,567,258 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $221,000 and average rents near $1,400. Commute times average 34 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Philadelphia's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia has a population of 1,567,258 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 34% White, 39% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 23% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
1,567,258
Density
11,900 per sq mi
Median Age
34.7
Gender Ratio
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
22.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
33.9%
Black
38.6%
Asian
8.3%
Others
19.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Philadelphia, PA?

The cost of living in Philadelphia is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 104.6. Median home values are around $221,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,400. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$221,000
Gross Rent
$1,400
Monthly Electricity Charges
$120
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$610
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 3.07%
Cost Of Living Index
104.6
Grocery
105.2
Housing
75.8
Utilities
108.1
Transportation
116.3
Health Care
102.9
Miscellaneous
101.5

Crime

Is Philadelphia, PA a safe place to live?

Philadelphia is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,133 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 29. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Pennsylvania.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
1,133
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,440
Crime Index
4,573
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 88
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 29

Weather

What is the weather like in Philadelphia, PA year-round?

Philadelphia experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 26°F. The area receives about 42 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
26°F
Max
41°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
45°F
Max
69°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $54,800 and a low poverty rate of 23.3%. Over 86% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 30% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 34 minutes, and almost 26% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$28,000
Household Income
$54,800
Family Income
$61,500
Per Capita Income
$29,600
Income Male
$37,500
Income Female
$32,000
Poverty Rate
23.3%
Non English Speakers
22.5%
Rent
$1,400
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
Public Transport Usage
26.0%
Commute Time
34 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
85.7%
Bachelors or More
30.4%

Education

How are the schools in Philadelphia, PA?

Philadelphia offers quality education options, with public schools like Julia R. Masterman Secondary School and Central High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School
Street
1699 Spring Garden St
Phone
215-299-4661
Students
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio
22.1
Name
Central High School
Street
1700 W Olney Ave
Phone
215-276-5262
Students
2,370
Student Teacher Ratio
26.3

Private Schools

Name
Saint Joseph's Preparatory School
Street
1733 W Girard Ave
Phone
215-978-1950
Students
900

Colleges

Name
University of Pennsylvania
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Distance
0 miles
Students
28,000
Name
Temple University
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Distance
0 miles
Students
37,400

Healthcare

Philadelphia residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 92.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Address
3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone
(215) 662-4000
Type
General & Teaching
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Address
111 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone
(215) 955-6000
Type
General & Teaching
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
92.1%
Health Care Index
69.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Philadelphia, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $221,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 53%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Philadelphia offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$221,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,400
Owner Occupied Rate
52.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate
0.9%

DMV Information

Residents of Philadelphia handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), conveniently located in Philadelphia. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Pennsylvania
Department
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address
1101 S Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone
1-800-932-4600

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Philadelphia, PA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Philadelphia, review the core fields on this page: population 1,567,258, median home value $221,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,400, commute time 34 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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