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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Philadelphia is 35% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,323/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 31%
$60,698/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 34%
$232,400 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 87%
$1,233/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 48%
1,582,432
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $413/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $4,956/year.

Median household income is $20,453/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Palmdale?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $413/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Palmdale?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $20,453/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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