Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Philadelphia is 64% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,323/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 107%
$60,698/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 108%
$232,400 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 348%
$1,233/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 114%
1,582,432
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,419/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $17,028/year.

Median household income is $65,771/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Cambridge?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,419/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Cambridge?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $65,771/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Massachusetts?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Cambridge details →

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