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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Philadelphia is 38% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,323/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 39%
$60,698/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 39%
$232,400 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 106%
$1,233/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 45%
1,582,432
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $519/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $6,228/year.

Median household income is $23,919/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $519/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $23,919/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Santa Maria details →

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