Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 29.7% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $2229 per month.

What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA to live like I do in San Diego, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $123,250 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Diego, CA and Philadelphia, PA?

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 55.7% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA?

Moving from San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA could save you approximately $2229 per month, or $26750 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Diego, CA

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.2K/month moving to Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $123.3K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 29.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,229

Savings

Annual Impact

$26.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$980K

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:70

Median Home:$241K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: San Diego, CA vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	San Diego, CA	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$2,313/mo	↓ $2,911less	55.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,421/mo	↓ $150less	9.6%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $117less	6.2%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$607/mo	↓ $30.98less	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$607/mo	↓ $27.32less	4.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,104/mo	↑ $24.98more	2.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 55.7%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$2,911

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.6%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$150

less

📦Other

↓ 6.2%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

$117

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.9%

San Diego, CA

$638

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$30.98

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.3%

San Diego, CA

$634

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$27.32

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.3%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$24.98

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

San Diego, CA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$1,280

↓ $1,285

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,390

↓ $1,365

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$1,660

↓ $1,700

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$1,990

↓ $2,485

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/mo

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$3,211

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Philadelphia

$980K

Median Value

$241K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 75% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego Calculate payment - Philadelphia

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$502

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.0%

Rate difference

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.