Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 48.6% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $3647 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $106,233.503 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 76.3% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Philadelphia, PA could save you approximately $3647 per month, or $43766 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Francisco, CA

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.6K/month moving to Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $106.2K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 48.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,647

Savings

Annual Impact

$43.8K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.25M

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:51

Median Home:$241K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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 Francisco, CA vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	San Francisco, CA	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,771/mo	$2,313/mo	↓ $7,458less	76.3%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,421/mo	↓ $738less	34.2%
⚡All Utilities	$448/mo	$607/mo	↑ $158more	35.4%
📦Other	$1,875/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $100less	5.4%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$607/mo	↓ $99.13less	14.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,159/mo	$1,104/mo	↓ $54.96less	4.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 76.3%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$7,458

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 34.2%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$738

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 35.4%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$158

📦Other

↓ 5.4%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

$100

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.0%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$99.13

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.7%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$54.96

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Francisco, 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$2,460

To$1,280

↓ $1,180

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,390

↓ $1,560

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$1,660

↓ $1,910

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$1,990

↓ $2,570

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$8,292

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Philadelphia

$1.25M

Median Value

$241K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 81% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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.