Cost of Living: Philadelphia vs Phoenix (2026)

Philadelphia vs Phoenix cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Phoenix is about 1% more expensive than Philadelphia overall — $100,000 in Philadelphia is worth about $100,743 in Phoenix.

Phoenix is about 1% more expensive than Philadelphia overall — $100,000 in Philadelphia is worth about $100,743 in Phoenix.

Philadelphia vs Phoenix: the numbers

MetricPhiladelphiaPhoenixDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)103103+1%
Median rent$1,323$1,458+10%
Median home value$232,400$381,900+64%
Median household income$60,698$77,041+27%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Philadelphia has the same buying power as about $100,743 in Phoenix. Going the other way, $100,000 in Phoenix is like $99,262 in Philadelphia.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Philadelphia and Phoenix.

Compare any salary: Philadelphia vs Phoenix

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 103 vs 103 — a 1% difference. Your money goes further in Philadelphia.

About $100,743 — that's what you'd need in Phoenix to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Philadelphia.