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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Philadelphia is 48% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,323/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 49%
$60,698/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 46%
$232,400 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 183%
$1,233/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 59%
1,582,432
Population
311,639

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $652/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $7,824/year.

Median household income is $27,656/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $652/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $27,656/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Santa Ana details →

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