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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Philadelphia is 66% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,323/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 61%
$60,698/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 79%
$232,400 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 481%
$1,233/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 90%
1,582,432
Population
120,223

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $804/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $9,648/year.

Median household income is $47,860/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Berkeley?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $804/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Berkeley?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $47,860/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Berkeley details →

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