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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Philadelphia is 52% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,323/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 49%
$60,698/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 49%
$232,400 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 229%
$1,233/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 64%
1,582,432
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $648/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $7,776/year.

Median household income is $29,468/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $648/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $29,468/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

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