Moving from NYC to Philly: Is It Time to Head for the City of Brotherly Love?

TL;DR: Moving From NYC to Philly Moving to Philadelphia from NYC means considerably lower housing costs, but also lower wages. Both NYC and Philly offer world-class dining, arts, education, and history. SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) makes car-free living possible in many neighborhoods, but the system isn’t as extensive as NYC’s. Moving from NYC to Philly is becoming more common — and with only a 90-minute commute, transplants don’t necessarily have to give up their Big Apple jobs. It’s essential to check building rules and parking requirements in both cities so you’re clear on where you can and can’t park your truck or your PODS portable container.

New York City and Philadelphia have plenty in common, from walkable neighborhoods and world-class arts to passionate sports fans. But Philly offers one major advantage: Housing costs are a whopping 69 percent lower than in the Big Apple. If you’re a native New Yorker (or a transplant) and think moving from NYC to Philly might be a good next step, you’re not alone: In 2025, more than one in four new Philly residents came from NYC. Ready to start packing?

5 Things To Know Before Moving From NYC to Philly

Moving to Philadelphia from New York is just a 100-mile journey, but in many ways day-to-day living can vary quite a bit. If you’re thinking of moving from NYC to Philly, here are some of the differences to keep in mind.

1. Philadelphia Is Much More Affordable Than NYC

Housing is one of the most common reasons New Yorkers are moving to Philadelphia. As of August 2026, the average cost of a home in NYC is $832,900. In Philly, it’s $234,600.

As for rent on a one-bedroom apartment, NYC averages $5,200, and Philadelphia averages $1,850.  

That doesn’t mean every neighborhood in Philly is inexpensive. In Center City, one of the most coveted areas, $2,300 is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment. But moving from NYC to Philly can give renters substantially more options at lower prices. The savings can be particularly noticeable if you’re moving from Manhattan or a more upscale part of Brooklyn. Just remember to compare your entire budget, including transportation, taxes, utilities, and any costs that may come with moving to Philadelphia and buying a car.

The Philadelphia metro area has about 29,460 businesses, including six Fortune 1000 and two Fortune 500 companies.

2. Philly Has a Strong Job Market, but Salaries Can Be Lower Than in NYC

Philly can’t match the size of New York City when it comes to the employment market, but the City of Brotherly Love has an impressive economy of its own. The Philadelphia metro area has about 29,460 businesses, including six Fortune 1000 and two Fortune 500 companies. The city

gained about 3,500 jobs in June 2026, and the unemployment rate is somewhat steady at around 4.1 percent — compared with 4.4 percent nationwide and 5.2 percent in NYC. Education and healthcare account for about 760,000 jobs, with professional and business services comprising about 500,000.

Wages are relatively strong, too, with the average hourly rate across the Philadelphia metro area at $27.10, a tad higher than the U.S. average of $26.80 and just a bit lower than NYC’s $29. And moving from NYC to Philly doesn’t necessarily have to mean changing jobs; the train will get you back to the Big Apple in about 90 minutes.

3. Getting Around Philly Is Easy, but Not as Easy as in NYC

Yes, you can get around Philadelphia without a car. But there are some caveats if you’re moving from NYC to Philadelphia and accustomed to the Big Apple’s massive transit system. Here are a few things to know about transportation around Philly:

Taking Public Transit

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) makes getting around easier for transplants moving from NYC to Philly. The system operates buses, subways, trolleys, elevated trains, and a regional rail throughout Philly and the surrounding counties and ‘burbs. And two pieces of good news: First, the system was granted a $43 million award to build a low- and no-emissions bus fleet. And second, SEPTA crime rates dropped 21 percent in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same time period last year.

Walking and Biking

Like NYC, Center City Philly is walkable and bikeable, with designated lanes and sidepaths — particularly in the denser neighborhoods. Philadelphia’s bike-share program, Indego, gives residents another way to make shorter trips. The city has also initiated the Safe Routes Philly program to educate kids on how to get around more safely.

For longer trips, city-dwellers can make use of Philadelphia International Airport, which serves about 30.1 million passengers every year, making it the 21st-busiest airport in the nation and the busiest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Driving

And, of course, you can always drive. Some neighborhoods and suburban destinations are simply more convenient with a car. Just make sure to factor parking availability and cost into your budget if you plan to drive after moving from NYC to Philly. And of course there are taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts on call throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding areas.

Commuting by Train

If you’re a regional commuter, you can catch some Zs or get extra work done while commuting by Amtrak, operating out of the historic 30th Street Station. Through the Keystone and Northeast Regional trains, you have a direct line to cities all the way out west to Harrisburg (the state capital), as far east as Boston, and, of course, NYC in between. Hop on the Pennsylvanian to get up to Pittsburgh.

Rittenhouse Square is one of Philly’s most walkable neighborhoods, with residential high-rises and charming rowhouses surrounded by restaurants, shops, and cafes.

4. Philly Neighborhoods Fit a Range of Budgets and Lifestyles

Deciding where to live in Philadelphia can make the difference between loving your move and wondering what you were thinking. The city has everything from dense Center City blocks to residential rowhouses and quieter areas outside of downtown. These three central districts may feel particularly familiar to someone moving to Philadelphia from NYC. But of course it’s important to consider your commute, housing costs, and the amenities you want.

Washington Square West

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,975
• Average home value: $408,100

This charming, walkable area offers restaurants, nightlife, historic streets, and fantastic shopping, including the iconic Antique Row. The area is a great choice for former New Yorkers who want a lively vibe but don’t want to give up the neighborhood feel.

Old City

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,250
• Average home value: $376,000

If history and culture are high on your list when you’re moving from NYC to Philly, Old City is your place. Brick rowhomes, carriage houses, and converted warehouse-style lofts are all part of the mix here, just steps from The National Liberty Museum, the Museum of the American Revolution, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum (free admission on Ben’s birthday, Jan. 17). Residents also enjoy plenty of parks, festivals, and attractions along the Delaware River Waterfront.

Rittenhouse Square

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,325
• Average home value: $491,000

Rittenhouse Square is one of Philly’s priciest and most walkable neighborhoods, with residential high-rises and rowhouses surrounded by restaurants, shops, and cafes. The area is centered on Rittenhouse Square Park, one of the original five city squares designed by city founder William Penn. In the warmer months, the park hosts farmers' markets and arts and music events.

Big-city amenities and walkable neighborhoods help New Yorkers moving to Philadelphia feel right at home.
(Source: Ethan Hoover via Unsplash)

5. Philly Offers Big-City Amenities, Plenty of Charm, and Legendary Sports Fans

Just because housing costs are lower doesn’t mean you have to give up city life. Philadelphia is the sixth-largest city in the U.S., after all — an ideal destination for former New Yorkers who want all the perks of urban living without some of the city-that-never-sleeps intensity (and housing costs). Big Apple transplants will do just fine with the city’s world-class cuisine (including James Beard wins year after year — and, of course, the iconic Philly cheesesteak), a stellar arts scene, prominent universities, more than 100 parks, and a busy downtown. And thanks to the Phillies, Eagles, 76ers, and Flyers, sports fans in this city are legendary for their passion and fierce loyalty.

Top Tips for Moving From NYC to Philly

The two cities are just 100 miles apart, but moving from NYC to Philadelphia is still a move to a new city in a new state. Doing just a bit of pre-packing planning can help prevent complications on moving day.

Check Condo/Apartment Rules at Both Your NYC and Philly Homes

If you live in a condo or apartment complex or building, contact your property manager to check possible restrictions. They may limit the hours in which you can move, require a reservation to commandeer the elevator, or prefer movers to use a separate entrance. Do this at both places when you’re moving from NYC to Philly, because there’s nothing worse than showing up at your new home and being stuck outside for two hours with a moving crew and all your belongings.

Plan Your Parking in Philly Before Moving Day

Philadelphia is serious about parking. To park a moving truck or PODS storage container on a Philly street, you’ll need a Temporary No Parking Permit (TNP) issued by the city. The restrictions and cost depend on what type of space you need, how long you’ll need it, and where exactly in the city you’ll be. But in general, the cost to park a moving truck is $25 to $50 per day per 40 feet (about two typical parking spaces). For a POD storage container, the fee is $50, with a five-day maximum. Be sure to apply at least four days in advance of moving to Philadelphia from NYC to reserve your space.

Pick a Moving Option Based on Your NYC and Philly Locations

If you’ve ever driven in New York or Philadelphia, you know how narrow and congested the city streets can be. Imagine maneuvering a moving truck on one of those streets — or parallel parking. If you’re a pro, no sweat. But if you’re like most of us, your blood pressure just spiked. You can take your chances and DIY when you’re moving from NYC to Philly, or you can consider the pros and cons of PODS vs. full-service movers. And if you’re in a spot where parking a storage container isn’t allowed, PODS City Services will deliver the container to your location and keep it on the truck while you load or unload it.

The earlier you book your moving service the better, especially if you’re moving during the busy summer months.

Checklist for Moving From NYC to Philly

Once you’re all set for the move, here are a few things to double-check. Moving to Philadelphia from NYC is no easy feat, so you want to be sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Book Your Moving Service Early

As soon as you’ve selected your method for moving from NYC to Philly, book it. The earlier the better, especially if you’re moving during the summer or at the end of a month.

Declutter Before You Pack

Purge, purge, purge. The prospect of lugging anything extra while you’re moving from NYC to Philly should be all the motivation needed to convince you to declutter before moving.

Double-Check Parking and Building Requirements

Make sure you’re abiding by move-out and move-in rules and regulations, reserve the elevator if needed, and get your TNP in Philly.

Transfer Utilities and Change Your Address

Get your power, internet, and other utilities set up in Philly for moving-day activation. And be sure to shut down the NYC services — who needs that extra expense? Also contact the USPS to let them know you’re moving from NYC to Philly and need to change your address.

Do a Final Walkthrough

Take one last peek into all your closets, drawers, and storage spaces for stragglers. You never know what might have fallen behind the TV stand.

Moving from NYC to Philly means lower housing costs and more room to breathe.
(Source: Cottonbro Studio via Pexels)

Moving from NYC to Philly — FAQs

Q: Is $100,000 or $90,000 a good salary in Philadelphia?

A: Either one of these salaries is likely a comfortable option, but the answer depends on the size of your household and your specific economic situation. MIT’s Living Wage Calculator estimates that a single adult living in Philadelphia needs $48,550 in annual income before taxes to cover basic needs. For two adults with two children, that rises to about $50,800 for each working adult, or $101,600 for the household.

Q: Is Philly or NYC better to live in?

A: That’s all about your personal preferences and lifestyle — and maybe your Phillies vs. Yankees allegiance. New York City has a bigger job market and better public transportation, but housing costs are substantially higher than in Philadelphia. Philly has a smaller urban environment but in many areas still gives residents walkability and a neighborhood vibe with restaurants, shops, and galleries.

Q: Are New Yorkers moving to Philadelphia?

A: Yes! Nearly 28,000 people moved from New York to Philadelphia in 2022–2023. And the trend of moving from NYC to Philly continues: More than a quarter of people who moved to Philadelphia in 2025 came from New York City.

Make Moving From NYC to Philadelphia Flexible With PODS

All set to head for the City of Brotherly Love? Make your move to Philadelphia flexible with PODS portable moving containers. PODS will deliver your container right to your driveway, where you can pack and load on your own schedule. And you don’t have to feel rushed, because one month’s storage is built into the cost of every move. If you need help with the heavy lifting, PODS can refer you to local packing and loading services to lend a hand. For even more flexibility, check out PODS City Service, containerized moving for big city moves.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving. 

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

(Source for image featured at top: ActionVance via Unsplash)

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}