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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Long Beach

California
169

Philadelphia is 50% cheaper than Long Beach.

$1,323/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,803/mo ↑ 36%
$60,698/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$83,969/yr ↑ 38%
$232,400 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$762,200 ↑ 228%
$1,233/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,890/mo ↑ 53%
1,582,432
Population
458,491

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
25.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Long Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $480/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $5,760/year.

Median household income is $23,271/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $762,200 in Long Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Long Beach — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Long Beach?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Long Beach it's $1,803/month — a difference of $480/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Long Beach?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $83,969 in Long Beach. Median household income is $23,271/year higher in Long 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 Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,803/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Long Beach details →

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