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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Riverside

California
144

Philadelphia is 41% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,323/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 37%
$60,698/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 46%
$232,400 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 133%
$1,233/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 52%
1,582,432
Population
316,241

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $489/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $5,868/year.

Median household income is $27,877/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Riverside — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Riverside?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $489/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Riverside?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $27,877/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Riverside details →

More Comparisons

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