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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Orange

California
206

Philadelphia is 59% cheaper than Orange.

$1,323/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 70%
$60,698/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 93%
$232,400 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 288%
$1,233/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 94%
1,582,432
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $929/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $11,148/year.

Median household income is $56,247/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Orange — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Orange?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $929/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Orange?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $56,247/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Orange details →

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