Why More New Yorkers Are Choosing Philadelphia

A Guide to Making the Move

The Top Reasons People Move From NYC to Philadelphia

1. A Major Upgrade in Affordability—Without Compromising Lifestyle

For many former New Yorkers, Philadelphia feels like “finally getting the city life you've always wanted—at a price you can actually enjoy.” For reference, according to Apartments.com research, the overall cost of living in Manhattan is 120% higher than Philadelphia and the average housing price is 384% higher. 

To buy a home in NYC, the average list price is ~ $2.9M, whereas in Philadelphia it is $490K. If you are interested in renting in NYC, the average price is $4,021/month versus $1,721/month in Philadelphia.

Renting in Philadelphia also often means:

• Larger apartments: The average size of a 1-bedroom apartment in Philadelphia is approximately 733 square feet as of RentCafe Market Analysis in 2025. Compared to NYC, the average 1-bedroom is 688 square feet. While this isn’t a significant difference in square footage, you are paying more money for less room in New York City. This Philadelphia 2-bedroom apartment has over 2,220 square feet of space!
  
  
• Buildings with more amenities, such as fitness centers, rooftops, and lounges, are often included in the rental price. This 38-unit apartment building that we lease in Manayunk, called The Aster, has all the modern amenities you could imagine!
  
  
• Reasonable rent increases year over year: In Philadelphia, rent increased by an average of 2.62% year over year, whereas in NYC, it increased by 3.7%.
  
  
• Lower everyday living expenses: Not only is housing significantly more expensive in NYC, but this also applies to groceries (14% higher) and transportation (15% higher). 

Philly maintains the feel of a major metro area but without the extreme cost pressures. To start your search, check out our rental listings and homes for sale in Philadelphia.

2. More Space, More Comfort, More Breathing Room

Space is one of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades. In Philadelphia, it’s common to find:

• Bedrooms that fit real furniture
  
  
• Kitchens you can cook in (without bumping into a wall)
  
  
• Outdoor spaces, balconies, and courtyards
  
  
• Walkable neighborhoods that feel lively, not overcrowded
  
  

Many NYC transplants tell us their favorite part of the move is finally being able to spread out. Even our own Marketing Manager at PhillyLiving Management Group knows the feeling firsthand. After graduating from college, she lived in NYC for three years, splitting a “flex” 1-bedroom with a roommate, sharing a closet, and timing showers like it was a sport. Moving to Philadelphia was the first time she had a true 1-bedroom apartment with enough space for a real dining table, and the ability to walk to her favorite spots without weaving through crowds of tourists.

3. A True Neighborhood Culture

Philadelphia is famous for neighborhoods that each has its own identity and uniqueness. 

Some neighborhoods that former New Yorkers enjoy include:

• Fishtown – Trendy, artistic, incredible food scene. One of our favorites is a local sandwich spot, Liberty Kitchen. With lots of new construction, this area is comparable to Brooklyn.
  
  
• Northern Liberties – Modern apartments, walkable nightlife
  
  
• Fairmount – Green spaces + historic charm, near the Art Museum and Schuylkill River Trail. Check out some of our available rentals in this neighborhood: 2006 Mount Vernon St. #2 and 1738 Green St. #10
  
  
• Graduate Hospital – Due to its proximity to UPenn and Drexel, many medical professionals and graduate students reside here. This 2-bedroom apartment is available for rent in Graduate Hospital.
  
  

Living here often means knowing your barista, your neighbors, and the local shop owners. It’s a community-driven lifestyle that many former NYC residents deeply appreciate. For more recommendations and information, check out our neighborhood guide.

4. Easy Transportation—Without Feeling Trapped by It

Philadelphia maintains excellent transit options without requiring the daily grind of multi-line transfers or hour-long commutes.

Residents enjoy:

• Subways and trolleys
  
  
• Rapid bus networks
  
  
• Regional Rail connecting to the suburbs
  
  
• Walkable city blocks
  
  
• Quick access to I-95 and major highways
  
  

Many residents successfully live car-free, while others appreciate that keeping a car here is actually feasible and less costly than in New York City. 



And yes—New York City is only 60–90 minutes away, making day-trips, business meetings, and family visits incredibly easy. Many of our NYC transplants still work in NYC by taking the regional rail to New York daily.

5. A Growing Job Market and Expanding Opportunities

Philadelphia’s job market continues to grow across several sectors:

• Healthcare: Philadelphia has an extensive network of hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Penn Medicine, and more. Some health technology companies based in the Philadelphia area are HealthVerity, Proscia, and Neuroflow.
  
  
• Technology: Comcast is headquartered in Center City. Other tech companies in Philadelphia are FORT Robotics, IBM, and SAP.
  
  
• Higher education: Drexel University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Temple University are all in Philadelphia. There are also other colleges a short commute from the city, including Villanova University, Saint Joseph’s University, and La Salle, to name a few.
  
  
• Finance: Several large corporations have branches in Philadelphia - JPMorgan Chase, Fidelity Investments, Barclays, and Nasdaq. In Malvern, there is a Vanguard office, one of the largest investment management companies globally.
  
  
• Life sciences: Some companies in this category include AUM LifeTech, Aro Biotherapeutics, GS, and Johnson & Johnson all in or outside of Philadelphia.
  
  
• Creative industries: While NYC is home to many creative agencies, Philadelphia also has several marketing/advertising firms, including Neff, Red Tettemer, and Cashman Associates.
  
  

Many New Yorkers find that Philadelphia offers competitive career opportunities, often with better work-life balance and shorter commutes.

Comparing Daily Life: NYC vs. Philadelphia

Lifestyle Pace

Philadelphia offers a more relaxed daily rhythm than NYC while still providing:

• Vibrant nightlife
  
  
• Award-winning restaurants
  
  
• Live music and arts
  
  
• Outdoor parks & recreation
  
  

You get the cultural energy of a major city without the constant feeling of overcrowding.

Cost of Living

While prices vary by neighborhood, most new residents note immediate savings in:

• Rent
  
  
• Childcare
  
  
• Parking
  
  
• Dining out
  
  
• Gym memberships: There are plenty of gyms that have recently opened in Philadelphia, including the popular New York gym, Equinox.

• Groceries and essentials
  

Quality of Housing

Compared to older, smaller NYC buildings, Philadelphia offers:

• Newer construction
  
  
• Modern amenities
  
  
• Energy-efficient utilities
  
  
• Stylish interior finishes
  
  
• Rooftop lounges & coworking spaces
  
  

PhillyLiving Management Group manages properties throughout Philadelphia that match a wide range of lifestyles.

What NYC Residents Love Most About Moving to Philadelphia

“I Finally Feel Like I Can Live Instead of Just Survive.”

This is the most common sentiment we hear. Here’s what new residents frequently tell us:

• “I have time again.”
  
  
• “I can actually afford the things I enjoy.”
  
  
• “I feel calmer here.”
  
  
• “I’m more connected to my community.”
  
  
• “I love coming home at the end of the day.”
  
  

A More Balanced Urban Lifestyle

In Philadelphia, work, home life, and social life blend more comfortably.

You can:

• Walk to a coffee shop and not wait 30 minutes
  
  
• Get into well-known restaurants more easily
  
  
• Enjoy parks that aren’t overcrowded
  
  
• Actually know your neighbors
  
  

It’s a city that feels large, accessible, and human in scale.

Thinking About Making the Move? We’re Here to Help

PhillyLiving Management Group has helped countless new residents—from NYC and beyond—find the right apartment and the right neighborhood. Our team can:

• Provide neighborhood insights
  
• Source a list of properties that fit your lifestyle
  
• Offer virtual tours for long-distance movers
  
• Assist with smooth transitions and easy move-ins with our complimentary Moving Concierge Service
• Support you through the application and leasing process

Ready to Explore Your New Life in Philadelphia?

Moving cities is a big decision—but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Philadelphia offers everything people love about city living, without the overwhelming cost or pace of larger metro areas.

Take your time. Explore the neighborhoods. Compare your options. And when you’re ready to see what’s possible, PhillyLiving Management Group is ready to help.