Median rent is 44% lower in Philadelphia ($1,397/mo vs $2,476/mo). Buying is cheaper in Philadelphia, where the median home runs $243,100 versus $1,394,500. Households earn more in San Francisco ($140,970 vs $61,953 a year). Taken together, Philadelphia is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.4 against 117.6 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Francisco, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Philadelphia is 13% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 102.4 in Philadelphia vs 117.6 in San Francisco (US national average = 100)
City A
Philadelphia, PA
City B
San Francisco, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Francisco, CA to maintain your standard of living from Philadelphia, PA?
Equivalent salary in San Francisco, CA
$86,128
You'd need $11,128 more (15% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
San Francisco
California
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Philadelphia — median rent of $1,397/mo versus $2,476/mo in San Francisco, a 44% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,394,500 versus $243,100 in Philadelphia — 83% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Philadelphia
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Francisco
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Philadelphia (avg AQI 54.0) but not yet for San Francisco.
Pick Philadelphia if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.4 vs 117.6).
Pick San Francisco if you prioritize higher median household income ($140,970/yr).
Pick Philadelphia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,397/mo median).
Is Philadelphia cheaper than San Francisco?
Philadelphia is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 117.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Philadelphia.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs San Francisco?
Median rent is $1,397/mo in Philadelphia, PA and $2,476/mo in San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia, PA has the lower rent by about 44%.
Which has higher salaries — Philadelphia or San Francisco?
Median household income is $61,953 in Philadelphia, PA and $140,970 in San Francisco, CA. San Francisco, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Philadelphia or San Francisco?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match my Philadelphia income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA is equivalent to roughly $114,837 in San Francisco, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
