Phoenix, AZ vs Philadelphia, PA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Phoenix, AZ and Philadelphia, PA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Phoenix, AZ
AZ
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 103.7
- Housing RPP
- 122.9
- Goods RPP
- 98.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,877/mo
Arizona income tax 2.5% flat rate (since 2023). No city income tax.
Philadelphia, PA
PA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 100.7
- Housing RPP
- 115.8
- Goods RPP
- 95.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,737/mo
Pennsylvania flat income tax 3.07%. Philadelphia city wage tax 3.75% residents.
Equivalent salary
Philadelphia, PA is cheaper than Phoenix, AZ by about 2.9% (RPP 103.7 to 100.7).
$60,000 in Phoenix, AZ
-> $58,264
in Philadelphia, PA
$100,000 in Phoenix, AZ
-> $97,107
in Philadelphia, PA
$150,000 in Phoenix, AZ
-> $145,661
in Philadelphia, PA
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper or more expensive than Phoenix, AZ?
- Philadelphia, PA (RPP 100.7) is cheaper than Phoenix, AZ (RPP 103.7) by about 2.9%.
- What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA if I earn $100,000 in Phoenix, AZ?
- You would need approximately $97,107 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Phoenix, AZ. Formula: $100,000 x (100.7 / 103.7).