Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Anaheim, CA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Anaheim

California
182

Philadelphia is 53% cheaper than Anaheim.

$1,323/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,082/mo ↑ 57%
$60,698/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$90,583/yr ↑ 49%
$232,400 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$771,700 ↑ 232%
$1,233/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,165/mo ↑ 76%
1,582,432
Population
344,553

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Anaheim, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $759/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $9,108/year.

Median household income is $29,885/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $771,700 in Anaheim.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Anaheim — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Anaheim cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Anaheim?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Anaheim it's $2,082/month — a difference of $759/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Anaheim?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $90,583 in Anaheim. Median household income is $29,885/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and California?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,082/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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