How much does basement finishing cost in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia, PA · Philadelphia County · 46 ZIP codes · Data updated May 2026
A basement finishing in Philadelphia typically costs $34,213 - $99,187, with most homeowners paying around $64,625. Philadelphia runs about 12% above the Pennsylvania median, and quotes can vary up to 114% between its cheapest and most expensive ZIP codes, so the neighborhood matters as much as the contractor.
On the return side, expect to recoup roughly 63% at resale, about $40,972 on a typical Philadelphia job. Worth doing for the improvement, with decent payback when you sell.
October is normal-demand season for basement finishing in this climate. Contractors in Philadelphia County are booking about 4.5 weeks out.
Philadelphia Cost Range
$34,213 - $99,187
Typical: $64,625
Moderate ROI
Equity Gain
$40,972
Added at resale
on a typical Philadelphia job
Normal season · ~4.5 wk contractor lead time
Basement Finishing Cost by ZIP Code in Philadelphia
Each ZIP gets its own estimate from local home values and labor rates. Open yours for the full breakdown, seasonality, and ROI detail.
| ZIP | Estimated range | vs. city average | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19131 | $34,213 - $46,288 | -38% | Full estimate → |
| 19132 | $34,213 - $46,288 | -38% | Full estimate → |
| 19133 | $34,213 - $46,288 | -38% | Full estimate → |
| 19134 | $34,213 - $46,288 | -38% | Full estimate → |
| 19139 | $34,213 - $46,288 | -38% | Full estimate → |
| 19140 | $34,213 - $46,288 | -38% | Full estimate → |
| 19141 | $34,213 - $46,288 | -38% | Full estimate → |
| 19142 | $34,213 - $46,288 | -38% | Full estimate → |
| 19143 | $34,213 - $46,288 | -38% | Full estimate → |
| 19120 | $36,168 - $48,932 | -34% | Full estimate → |
| 19124 | $36,656 - $49,594 | -33% | Full estimate → |
| 19138 | $38,123 - $51,577 | -31% | Full estimate → |
| 19144 | $40,078 - $54,222 | -27% | Full estimate → |
| 19121 | $40,566 - $54,884 | -26% | Full estimate → |
| 19151 | $42,521 - $57,529 | -23% | Full estimate → |
| 19135 | $43,499 - $58,851 | -21% | Full estimate → |
| 19153 | $46,431 - $62,819 | -15% | Full estimate → |
| 19104 | $46,920 - $63,480 | -15% | Full estimate → |
| 19149 | $47,409 - $64,141 | -14% | Full estimate → |
| 19126 | $48,875 - $66,125 | -11% | Full estimate → |
| 19137 | $48,875 - $66,125 | -11% | Full estimate → |
| 19136 | $50,341 - $68,109 | -8% | Full estimate → |
| 19150 | $50,830 - $68,770 | -7% | Full estimate → |
| 19145 | $53,763 - $72,738 | -2% | Full estimate → |
| 19148 | $56,206 - $76,044 | +2% | Full estimate → |
| 19111 | $62,560 - $84,640 | +14% | Full estimate → |
| 19122 | $64,515 - $87,285 | +17% | Full estimate → |
| 19107 | $66,470 - $89,930 | +21% | Full estimate → |
| 19129 | $66,470 - $89,930 | +21% | Full estimate → |
| 19114 | $68,425 - $92,575 | +25% | Full estimate → |
| 19152 | $68,425 - $92,575 | +25% | Full estimate → |
| 19154 | $68,425 - $92,575 | +25% | Full estimate → |
| 19102 | $73,313 - $99,187 | +33% | Full estimate → |
| 19103 | $73,313 - $99,187 | +33% | Full estimate → |
| 19106 | $73,313 - $99,187 | +33% | Full estimate → |
| 19115 | $73,313 - $99,187 | +33% | Full estimate → |
| 19116 | $73,313 - $99,187 | +33% | Full estimate → |
| 19118 | $73,313 - $99,187 | +33% | Full estimate → |
| 19119 | $73,313 - $99,187 | +33% | Full estimate → |
| 19123 | $73,313 - $99,187 | +33% | Full estimate → |
| 19125 | $73,313 - $99,187 | +33% | Full estimate → |
| 19127 | $73,313 - $99,187 | +33% | Full estimate → |
| 19128 | $73,313 - $99,187 | +33% | Full estimate → |
| 19130 | $73,313 - $99,187 | +33% | Full estimate → |
| 19146 | $73,313 - $99,187 | +33% | Full estimate → |
| 19147 | $73,313 - $99,187 | +33% | Full estimate → |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a basement finishing cost in Philadelphia?
Based on 2026 data, a basement finishing in Philadelphia, PA costs $34,213 - $99,187, with a typical price around $64,625. The range covers Philadelphia's 46 ZIP codes and the ±15% variance between contractor bids.
Is a basement finishing worth it in Philadelphia?
Homeowners in this region typically recoup about 63% of the cost at resale, roughly $40,972 on a $64,625 project. A reasonable return, with the day-to-day improvement on top.
Why do basement finishing quotes vary across Philadelphia?
Local home values and labor rates differ by ZIP code. In Philadelphia, the same project can cost up to 114% more in the most expensive ZIP than in the least expensive one. Check your exact ZIP below for a precise range.
Other Project Costs in Philadelphia
Sources: Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value, Zillow ZHVI, BLS construction wages, US Census. Methodology