WhereCanIAffordTake-home › Philadelphia, PA vs Miami, FL

Philadelphia, PA vs Miami, FL: cost of living on $120,000

Philadelphia, PA +$574/yr On $120,000, Philadelphia, PA leaves $67,213/yr in pocket vs Miami, FL's $66,639 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000Philadelphia, PAMiami, FL
Federal + FICA (est.)$29,580$29,580
State income tax$3,684 (3.07%)$0 (0%)
After-tax income$86,736$90,420
− Housing/yr (Zillow)$19,523$23,781
Real money in pocket$67,213$66,639

· State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Philadelphia, PA or Miami, FL cheaper?
On $120,000, Philadelphia, PA — by $574/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?
State income tax (Pennsylvania 3.07% vs Florida 0%) and housing cost.

See also: FIRE in Philadelphia, PA · salary to buy in Philadelphia, PA · compare other cities →

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💵 Take-home comparison
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