Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Philadelphia is 5% more affordable than Sarasota. A $75,000 salary in Sarasota is equivalent to $70,982 in Philadelphia.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Pennsylvania salaries · Florida salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while Sarasota sits at 132 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $380,000 in Sarasota, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $1,800 in Sarasota.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Philadelphia scores 104 while Sarasota scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are higher than Sarasota (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $52,147 in Sarasota. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Philadelphia.
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