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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Philadelphia is 45% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,323/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 52%
$60,698/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 47%
$232,400 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 140%
$1,233/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 67%
1,582,432
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $690/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $8,280/year.

Median household income is $28,798/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Vallejo?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $690/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Vallejo?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $28,798/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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