Philadelphia Homeownership Costs Hit $18,834 Yearly

Owners in Philadelphia are seeing annual non-mortgage costs rise as taxes, maintenance, and insurance premiums climb.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Residential

Philadelphia Homeownership Costs Hit $18,834 Yearly

Live Poll

Are rising taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs making it harder for your household to afford homeownership?

Philadelphia homeowners are now paying an average of $18,834 annually in non-mortgage costs, marking a 31.7% increase over the last five years. These expenses cover property taxes, homeowners insurance, and routine maintenance.

Why it matters

Rising costs for property taxes, maintenance, and insurance are outpacing historical norms and straining household budgets across the city. Much of the national insurance surge is driven by increased severe weather activity like tornadoes and wind damage.

Philadelphia annual ownership expenses total $18,834, which is $2,268 above the national average of $16,566. Costs locally have climbed 2.5% in just the last year, contributing to a 31.7% jump since 2021.

The players

Zillow

A digital real estate marketplace that tracks property valuations, tax data, and housing market trends.

Thumbtack

An online platform that connects homeowners with local service providers and tracks regional maintenance pricing.

The details

This cost estimate aggregates Zillow data on property taxes and insurance premiums alongside Thumbtack maintenance pricing. Maintenance costs are determined by a weighted index of recurring projects, while insurance figures are influenced by national trends where premiums rose 54% over five years. Homeowners in the area face a monthly average of $1,570 for these combined non-mortgage expenses.

2021: Baseline year for the five-year cost increase analysis.
February 2026: Period when federal insurance premium data collection began.
June 2026: Period when federal insurance premium data collection concluded.
October 22, 2026: Official publication of the Zillow and Thumbtack analysis.

The Home Front

The jump in Philadelphia ownership costs reflects a broader national trend of rising premiums and tax burdens that are testing housing affordability. This growth mirrors a 54% increase in national insurance premiums documented over the last half-decade.

Philadelphia homeowners should review their current insurance policy coverage and property tax assessment notices to identify potential savings. Schedule an annual inspection with a licensed professional to address small maintenance tasks before they escalate into high-cost repairs.

The takeaway

Maintaining a home in Philadelphia now requires budgeting for a 31.7% increase in ownership costs compared to 2021 levels. Monitor your annual insurance premium statements closely and prioritize preventative maintenance to mitigate long-term expense growth.