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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Philadelphia is 61% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,323/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 68%
$60,698/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 71%
$232,400 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 350%
$1,233/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 90%
1,582,432
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $895/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $10,740/year.

Median household income is $43,080/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Pasadena?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $895/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Pasadena?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $43,080/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Pasadena details →

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