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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Philadelphia is 49% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,323/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 65%
$60,698/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 101%
$232,400 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 160%
$1,233/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 81%
1,582,432
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $857/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $10,284/year.

Median household income is $61,531/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $857/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $61,531/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Elk Grove details →

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