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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Philadelphia is 63% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,323/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 81%
$60,698/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 81%
$232,400 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 354%
$1,233/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 100%
1,582,432
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,072/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $12,864/year.

Median household income is $49,375/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,072/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $49,375/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Costa Mesa details →

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