Cost Comparison 2025

PhiladelphiavsLuxembourg

United States
Luxembourg

Overall

💰

+9.0%

Philadelphia is 9.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+36.4%

Housing is 36.4% higher

Dining

🍽️

+20.0%

Restaurants 20.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

-3.5%

Food shopping 3.5% less

Comparing the cost of living between Philadelphia, United States and Luxembourg, Luxembourg reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Philadelphia is more expensive than Luxembourg by approximately 9.0%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Philadelphia are lower than in Luxembourg by 27%. A one-bedroom apartment in Philadelphia's city center costs around $1,800, while the same in Luxembourg is approximately €2,000.

Dining out in Philadelphia offers significant savings compared to Luxembourg. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $18 in Philadelphia versus €20 in Luxembourg.

Public transportation in Philadelphia is more expensive, with monthly passes at $96 compared to €0 in Luxembourg.

Purchasing power in Luxembourg is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Philadelphia.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Philadelphia can expect to spend approximately $624 per month (excluding rent), while in Luxembourg, the same lifestyle would cost around €600. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about $2,183 monthly in Philadelphia versus €2,101 in Luxembourg. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Philadelphia, United States
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$1,800
€2,000
1BR Outside Center
$1,300
€1,600
3BR City Center
$3,200
€3,800

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$18
€20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$80
€90
Cappuccino
$5
€4
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$6
€5

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$1
€1
Bread (500g)
$3
€2
Eggs (12)
$4
€4
Cheese (1kg)
$12
€18

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
€0
Monthly Pass
$96
€0
Taxi Start
$4
€5
Gasoline (1L)
$1
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$150
€200
Internet (60 Mbps)
$60
€50
Mobile Minute
$0
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Philadelphia to Luxembourg, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Luxembourg to Philadelphia requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Philadelphia

Cost of Living Index78
Rent Index55
Purchasing Power Index95

Luxembourg

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index120

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philadelphia more expensive than Luxembourg?

Yes, Philadelphia is approximately 9.0% more expensive than Luxembourg overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Philadelphia compared to Luxembourg?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Luxembourg salary when living in Philadelphia. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Luxembourg, you'd need about $54,487 in Philadelphia for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Philadelphia and Luxembourg?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 27%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Luxembourg offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Luxembourg provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Philadelphia if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Luxembourg for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Philadelphia vs Luxembourg?

In Philadelphia, a single person needs approximately $1,924 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $4,383. In Luxembourg, these figures are €2,200 for singles and €4,901 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Philadelphia and Luxembourg in 2025 shows moderate differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Luxembourg to maintain your lifestyle from Philadelphia

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers