Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Philadelphia is 8% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,323/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 4%
$60,698/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 7%
$232,400 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 11%
$1,233/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 5%
1,582,432
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $4,494/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Dearborn?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $59/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Dearborn?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $4,494/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Michigan?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Dearborn details →

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