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Cambridge, NY vs Philadelphia, NY

80
Cambridge
New York
VS
+23.4%
65
Philadelphia
New York

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Philadelphia is 23.4% cheaper than Cambridge. With a cost index of 65 vs 80, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Philadelphia to Cambridge should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cambridge is $1,063/month compared to $731/month in Philadelphia — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Philadelphia is more affordable at $134,400 median vs $184,200.

Median household income in Cambridge is $73,805 compared to $53,958 in Philadelphia (+36.8%). While Cambridge is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cambridge spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, more than the 16.3% in Philadelphia.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46.7°F vs 45.3°F). Cambridge receives more rainfall at 38.6" per year compared to 37.1" in Philadelphia.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Cambridge
80
Philadelphia
65
19% cheaper
Median Household Income
Cambridge
$73,805
27% higher
Philadelphia
$53,958

Housing

Median Rent
Cambridge
$1,063
Philadelphia
$731
31% cheaper
Median Home Value
Cambridge
$184,200
Philadelphia
$134,400
27% cheaper
Population
Cambridge
2,341
Philadelphia
803

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Cambridge $2.98
Philadelphia $2.98
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Cambridge $2.43
Philadelphia $2.43
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Cambridge $3.92
Philadelphia $3.92
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Cambridge $1.80
Philadelphia $1.80
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Cambridge $4.03
Philadelphia $4.03
US $4.14
Electricity
Cambridge $0.25
Philadelphia $0.24
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Cambridge 46.7°F
Philadelphia 45.3°F
Summer High
Cambridge 81°F
Philadelphia 79°F
Winter Low
Cambridge 13°F
Philadelphia 10°F
Rainfall
Cambridge 38.6"
Philadelphia 37.1"
Rainy Days
Cambridge 149d
Philadelphia 158d