Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs San Francisco, CA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

San Francisco

California
267

Philadelphia is 68% cheaper than San Francisco.

$1,323/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,419/mo ↑ 83%
$60,698/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$141,446/yr ↑ 133%
$232,400 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,380,500 ↑ 494%
$1,233/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,620/mo ↑ 112%
1,582,432
Population
836,321

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and San Francisco, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 267 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,096/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $13,152/year.

Median household income is $80,748/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $1,380,500 in San Francisco.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs San Francisco — common questions

Is Philadelphia or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and San Francisco?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in San Francisco it's $2,419/month — a difference of $1,096/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or San Francisco?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $141,446 in San Francisco. Median household income is $80,748/year higher in San Francisco.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and California?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or San Francisco?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with rent of $2,419/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View San Francisco details →

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