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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Philadelphia is 57% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,323/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 88%
$60,698/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 98%
$232,400 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 210%
$1,233/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 115%
1,582,432
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,163/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $13,956/year.

Median household income is $59,228/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,163/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $59,228/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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