Philadelphia real estate vs inflation: did it beat the dollar?
128% × 46%
Updated June 1, 2026 · Redfin · BLS / FRED (CPIAUCNS)
Since 2013, Philadelphia real estate is up 128% while U.S. consumer prices rose 46%. Philadelphia real estate far outpaced inflation — but the ride was brutal: its worst drop was 21%. Figures in U.S. dollars.
Base 100 since 2013
Why compare Philadelphia home prices (US$/m²) and U.S. inflation (CPI-U)
Philadelphia typically lands in the mid tier among large East Coast metros, more affordable than New York or Boston while still carrying big-city density and amenities. Its economy leans on healthcare, higher education, government and professional services, which gives the housing market a steadier, less speculative character. The metro felt the 2008 housing crash but tends to move with less extreme swings than the priciest coastal cities, and the per-square-meter figure reflects that comparatively moderate footing.
Returns by window
| Window | Philadelphia home prices (US$/m²) | U.S. inflation (CPI-U) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 2% | 4% |
| 5 years | 13% | 24% |
| 10 years | 63% | 39% |
| since 2013 | 128% | 46% |
The price of return: risk
| Asset | Annual volatility | Worst drop |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia real estate | 17% | -21% |
| Inflation (CPI) | 1% | -2% |
$10,000 in each, since 2013
| Asset | Value today |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia real estate | $22,784 |
| Inflation (CPI) | $14,553 |
Frequently asked questions
Did Philadelphia real estate beat inflation?
Over the period, Philadelphia real estate returned 128% while U.S. consumer prices rose 46%. The gap is what the asset earned beyond simply keeping pace with the dollar.
Does this account for the dollar losing value?
Yes. The inflation line is U.S. CPI, the measure of how much purchasing power the dollar lost over the same period. Returns above that line are gains in real terms.
Does a higher return mean a better investment?
Not on its own. A higher return came with higher risk here — the volatility and the largest drop on this page show how much the value swung along the way.
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Descriptive, educational content computed from official public data. Not investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results.