Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Philadelphia is 16% more expensive than High Point.

$1,323/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 20%
$60,698/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$61,228/yr ≈ Same
$232,400 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 9%
$1,233/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 12%
1,582,432
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $530/year higher in High Point. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs High Point — common questions

Is Philadelphia or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and High Point?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or High Point?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $530/year higher in High Point.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and North Carolina?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View High Point details →

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