salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Philadelphia to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,826
$1,814
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,712
$1,623
💵 Families earn per year
$89,248
$66,816
🔑 Buying a house
$408,000
$243,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.3
102.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,604
$2,003
⚡ Electric bill per month
$168
$112
👥 People living there
511,764
1,579,706
Commute to work
24.7 min
31.7 min
College degree
32.5%
35.4%
Own their home
64.4%
51.8%
Below poverty line
10.3%
21.4%
Unemployment
4.2%
8.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Mesa for higher incomes, shorter commutes, less poverty and 1 more.
- Pick Philadelphia for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Mesa | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,180 | $78,570 | +33% in Philadelphia |
| Firefighter | $61,780 | $78,050 | +26% in Philadelphia |
| Lawyer | $135,670 | $170,660 | +26% in Philadelphia |
| Operations Manager | $98,610 | $121,630 | +23% in Philadelphia |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $47,530 | $36,570 | -23% in Philadelphia |
| Electrician | $61,210 | $74,590 | +22% in Philadelphia |
| Plumber | $63,750 | $74,860 | +17% in Philadelphia |
| Civil Engineer | $90,330 | $99,410 | +10% in Philadelphia |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesa or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Mesa and Philadelphia cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Philadelphia to match $60,000 in Mesa?
About $59,557 a year gives the same standard of living in Philadelphia.
Where do people earn more, Mesa or Philadelphia?
The typical household earns $89,248 in Mesa and $66,816 in Philadelphia, 34% more in Mesa.