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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Philadelphia is 22% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,323/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 8%
$60,698/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↑ 5%
$232,400 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 66%
$1,233/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 20%
1,582,432
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $110/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $1,320/year.

Median household income is $3,290/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Philadelphia or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $110/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $3,290/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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