Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Philadelphia is 39% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,323/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 28%
$60,698/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 3%
$232,400 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 36%
$1,233/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 18%
1,582,432
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $1,982/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Peoria — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Peoria?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Peoria?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $1,982/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Illinois?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Peoria details →

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