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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Fremont

California
278

Philadelphia is 69% cheaper than Fremont.

$1,323/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 120%
$60,698/yr ↓ 66%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 191%
$232,400 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 455%
$1,233/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 143%
1,582,432
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,582/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $18,984/year.

Median household income is $115,652/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Fremont — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Fremont?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $1,582/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Fremont?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $115,652/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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