Median rent is 20% lower in Philadelphia ($1,323/mo vs $1,650/mo). Buying is cheaper in Philadelphia, where the median home runs $232,400 versus $359,000. Households earn more in Orlando ($69,268 vs $60,698 a year). Taken together, Orlando is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 100.5 against 100.7 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Orlando, FL.
City A
Orlando, FL
City B
Philadelphia, PA
How much would you need to earn in Philadelphia, PA to maintain your standard of living from Orlando, FL?
Equivalent salary in Philadelphia, PA
$75,161
You'd need $161 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Orlando
Florida
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Philadelphia at $1,323/mo compared to $1,650/mo in Orlando (20% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Orlando: the median home is $359,000 versus $232,400 in Philadelphia — 35% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while Pennsylvania tops out at 3.07% — giving Orlando a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Florida and 6.00% in Pennsylvania; Philadelphia has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Orlando
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Philadelphia
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Orlando has cleaner air on average: 28.0 AQI (Good) compared to 58.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Orlando if you prioritize higher median household income ($69,268/yr).
Pick Philadelphia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,323/mo median).
Pick Orlando if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 28.0).
Pick Orlando if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Orlando cheaper than Philadelphia?
Orlando is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 100.5 versus 100.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Orlando.
How much is rent in Orlando vs Philadelphia?
Median rent is $1,650/mo in Orlando, FL and $1,323/mo in Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia, PA has the lower rent by about 20%.
Which has higher salaries — Orlando or Philadelphia?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando, FL and $60,698 in Philadelphia, PA. Orlando, FL has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Orlando, FL has better air quality on average: 28.0 AQI versus 58.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Orlando or Philadelphia?
Florida has no state income tax. Pennsylvania has a top rate of 3.07%.
What salary do I need in Philadelphia to match my Orlando income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Orlando, FL is equivalent to roughly $100,215 in Philadelphia, PA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology