Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Philadelphia, PA (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85

Phoenix is 24% more expensive than Philadelphia.

$1,458/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 9%
$77,041/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$60,698/yr ↓ 21%
$381,900 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$232,400 ↓ 39%
$1,430/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,233/mo ↓ 14%
1,624,832
Population
1,582,432

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.6%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Philadelphia, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 85 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $16,343/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $232,400 in Philadelphia.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Philadelphia — common questions

Is Phoenix or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Philadelphia?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Philadelphia it's $1,323/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Philadelphia?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $60,698 in Philadelphia. Median household income is $16,343/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Pennsylvania?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Philadelphia?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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