Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Toledo, OH (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Toledo

Ohio
52

Philadelphia is 63% more expensive than Toledo.

$1,323/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$880/mo ↓ 33%
$60,698/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$47,532/yr ↓ 22%
$232,400 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$107,000 ↓ 54%
$1,233/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$856/mo ↓ 31%
1,582,432
Population
268,461

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Toledo, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 52 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $443/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $5,316/year.

Median household income is $13,166/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $107,000 in Toledo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Toledo — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Toledo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Toledo?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Toledo it's $880/month — a difference of $443/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Toledo?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $47,532 in Toledo. Median household income is $13,166/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Ohio?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Toledo?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Toledo has a cost index of 52 with rent of $880/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Toledo details →

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