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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Philadelphia is 36% cheaper than Sacramento.

$1,323/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↑ 28%
$60,698/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↑ 38%
$232,400 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$484,600 ↑ 109%
$1,233/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↑ 42%
1,582,432
Population
524,802

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $23,055/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Sacramento?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Sacramento?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $23,055/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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