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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Philadelphia is 49% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,323/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 66%
$60,698/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 69%
$232,400 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 155%
$1,233/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 81%
1,582,432
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $868/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $10,416/year.

Median household income is $41,623/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Fairfield?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $868/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Fairfield?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $41,623/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Fairfield details →

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