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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Modesto

California
120

Philadelphia is 29% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,323/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 22%
$60,698/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 28%
$232,400 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 79%
$1,233/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 31%
1,582,432
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $17,201/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Modesto — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Modesto?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $286/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Modesto?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $17,201/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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