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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Philadelphia is 72% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,323/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 126%
$60,698/yr ↓ 65%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 186%
$232,400 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 557%
$1,233/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 147%
1,582,432
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,662/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $19,944/year.

Median household income is $112,972/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,662/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $112,972/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

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