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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Richmond

California
161

Philadelphia is 47% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,323/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 43%
$60,698/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 48%
$232,400 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 180%
$1,233/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 63%
1,582,432
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $572/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $6,864/year.

Median household income is $29,340/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Richmond — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Richmond?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $572/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Richmond?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $29,340/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Richmond details →

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