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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

San Jose

California
254

Philadelphia is 169% cheaper than San Jose.

$1,323/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,617/mo ↑ 98%
$60,698/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$141,565/yr ↑ 133%
$232,400 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,187,800 ↑ 411%
$1,233/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,775/mo ↑ 125%
1,582,432
Population
990,054

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and San Jose, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 254 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,294/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $15,528/year.

Median household income is $80,867/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $1,187,800 in San Jose.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs San Jose — common questions

Is Philadelphia or San Jose cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and San Jose?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in San Jose it's $2,617/month — a difference of $1,294/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or San Jose?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $141,565 in San Jose. Median household income is $80,867/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while San Jose has a cost index of 254 with rent of $2,617/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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