2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Berkeley, CA vs Philadelphia, PA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Philadelphia or is it cheaper to live in Berkeley?
- Philadelphia is 46.6% less expensive than Berkeley.

Which city has more affordable housing, Philadelphia or Berkeley?
- Philadelphia housing costs are 85.4% less expensive than Berkeley housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Berkeley or is Health Care more affordable in Philadelphia.
- Health related expenses are 12.6% less in Philadelphia.
 Berkeley, CAPhiladelphia, PAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock104.3100
 Food & Groceries114.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.1100
 Housing521.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$205,900$338,100
 Utilities91  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock141.9100
 Miscellaneous158.4  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Berkeley    14 Reviews

Have lived in Berkeley for about 35 years now. Housing/Real Estate: If you're looking to move here, $1,000,000 will get you a small cottage in the "flats". Most of  More

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Over 12 years ago

We have the best climate -- summers and winters are mild. Lots of  More

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Over 14 years ago

The 60's have left Berkeley and now it is about MONEY...and the people there have plenty of it and nice hybrid cars (looks like 2 per household) and with a great bicycle  More

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Reviews for Philadelphia    139 Reviews

Philadelphia is a very walkable and fun city to explore (albeit be aware of where not to explore at least at night). The city has beautiful old architecture , great  More

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I’m originally from New York City, then lived in a small city in upstate New York for eight years, then moved down to Philadelphia and have lived here for many years.  More

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Now the only reason some people disagree is because MONEY. If you live in “manayunk” (which I lived for 2 years) you can’t compare … you can’t compare your out skirt  More

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