Rent vs Buy Calculator — Philadelphia, PA
Prefilled with Philadelphia estimates: a ~$280,000 home (about $56,000 for 20% down) versus ~$1,750/mo rent. Pennsylvania's effective property tax of 1.49% — near the U.S. average (~1.1%) — adds roughly $4,172/yr, and typical homeowners insurance runs about $1,500/yr. Adjust every field to your actual home below.
Is it better to rent or buy in Philadelphia?
There's no universal answer — it hinges on how long you'll stay, what you'd earn investing the down payment instead, and Pennsylvania's tax and insurance costs. Property tax is the biggest local lever: at 1.49% on a $280,000 home that's about $4,172 every year, before insurance and maintenance. Use the break-even readout above to see the year buying pulls ahead, and the appreciation rate that flips the decision.
What makes Philadelphia, PA different
- Median home price estimate: $280,000
- Typical monthly rent estimate: $1,750
- Pennsylvania effective property tax: 1.49% (~$4,172/yr here)
- Pennsylvania avg. homeowners insurance: $1,500/yr
Starting estimates as of 2026-01 — see the methodology & sources.