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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Glendale

California
214

Philadelphia is 60% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,323/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 58%
$60,698/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 39%
$232,400 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 349%
$1,233/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 79%
1,582,432
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $772/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $9,264/year.

Median household income is $23,564/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Glendale — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Glendale?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $772/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Glendale?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $23,564/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Glendale details →

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