Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Phoenix is 6% more affordable than Philadelphia. A $75,000 salary in Philadelphia is equivalent to $70,755 in Phoenix.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Pennsylvania salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Philadelphia scores 104 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are higher than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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