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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Philadelphia is 63% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,323/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 83%
$60,698/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 98%
$232,400 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 351%
$1,233/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 98%
1,582,432
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,101/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $13,212/year.

Median household income is $59,187/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,101/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $59,187/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Huntington Beach details →

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