Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Philadelphia is 29% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,323/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 29%
$60,698/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 14%
$232,400 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 59%
$1,233/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 35%
1,582,432
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $386/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $4,632/year.

Median household income is $8,563/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Philadelphia or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $386/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $8,563/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Florida?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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