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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Philadelphia is 56% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,323/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 61%
$60,698/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 72%
$232,400 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 270%
$1,233/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 83%
1,582,432
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $801/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $9,612/year.

Median household income is $43,521/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Fullerton?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $801/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Fullerton?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $43,521/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Fullerton details →

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