20. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia ranks as one of the nation’s more expensive metropolitan areas, largely due to rising home prices and competitive housing demand. In the city’s priciest neighborhoods, median home sale prices reached $751,000, marking a 7% increase over the previous year.
Luxury real estate in Philadelphia ranges from modern high-rise condos to beautifully restored brownstones and historic townhomes. Several upscale neighborhoods post average home prices around $564,000, placing them among the most expensive areas in the metro.
Affluent suburbs surrounding Philadelphia — including communities like Penn Wynne — further elevate the region’s cost profile. While affordability varies, many areas require sizable household incomes to enter the market.
Home prices recently hit a two-year high, mirroring larger national trends of limited inventory and intense buyer competition. Combined with elevated costs for groceries, transportation, and services, Philadelphia earns its place among America’s most expensive cities.
