Is University City Expensive?

Philadelphia, United States

+10% vs Philadelphia avg

Living in University City, Philadelphia

University City is a moderately-priced area within Philadelphia, with a cost of living index of 75.7 — that is +10% compared to the Philadelphia average. It sits around the middle of the pack at #11 out of 30 neighborhoods. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $1,705/month, compared to a range of $1,054 in Norristown to $2,092 in Rittenhouse Square.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of University City, housing takes up roughly 45% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 17%, while transportation costs around 9%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately $68,200 before tax.

Typical Salaries in University City

Salaries in University City reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 75.7:

After tax and deductions of 24.0% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $68,200 would be roughly $51,832/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

75.7
COLI Index
1.10x
vs City Avg
$1,705
Est. 1BR Rent
#11
of 30 Areas
24.0%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in University City

Estimated annual deductions on a $56,775 salary in University City, Philadelphia (local employee).

Income Tax
13%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.7%
State Income Tax (PA)
3.07%
Total Deductions: 24.0%
Est. Take-Home: $43,145/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in University City would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $56,775
London GBP £48,860
Dubai AED AED 284,090

Other Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Rittenhouse Square 92.9 1.35x +35%
Society Hill 88.1 1.28x +28%
Center City 86.0 1.25x +25%
Fitler Square 83.9 1.22x +22%
Bryn Mawr (Main Line) 83.9 1.22x +22%

View all 30 neighborhoods in Philadelphia →

Convert Your Salary

See exactly what you need to earn in University City, Philadelphia to maintain your lifestyle.

Open Salary Converter

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to University City:

Kichijoji (Musashino), Tokyo Songpa, Seoul RiNo (River North), Denver Hilltop, Denver Djurgården, Stockholm Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Frequently Asked Questions

Is University City expensive in Philadelphia?

Yes, University City is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Philadelphia. It costs about +10% more than the city average, ranking #11 out of 30 neighborhoods.

How does University City compare to the Philadelphia average?

The cost of living in University City is above the Philadelphia average. With a multiplier of 1.10x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +10% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · U.S. Census Bureau · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.