Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than San Jose, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 49.7% cheaper than San Jose, CA. This translates to saving $3724 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Jose, CA, you'd need approximately $105,313.433 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 76.1% cheaper than in San Jose, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $3,445/month in San Jose, CA.

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

Moving from San Jose, CA to Philadelphia, PA could save you approximately $3724 per month, or $44687 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Jose, CA

Tap to swap

Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Jose, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.7K/month moving to Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $105.3K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 49.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,724

Savings

Annual Impact

$44.7K

Per year

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

San Jose, CA

Population:1013K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:50

Median Home:$241K

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M residents.

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 Jose, CA vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	San Jose, CA	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,667/mo	$2,313/mo	↓ $7,354less	76.1%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$607/mo	↑ $142more	30.6%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$607/mo	↓ $99.13less	14.0%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,129/mo	$1,104/mo	↓ $24.98less	2.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,421/mo	↑ $13.66more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 76.1%

San Jose, CA

$9,667

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$7,354

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 30.6%

San Jose, CA

$464

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$142

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.0%

San Jose, CA

$706

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$99.13

less

📦Other

↓ 2.8%

San Jose, CA

$1,825

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.2%

San Jose, CA

$1,129

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$24.98

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.0%

San Jose, CA

$1,407

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$13.66

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Jose, 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$2,590

To$1,280

↓ $1,310

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,390

↓ $1,560

2 Bed

From$3,445

To$1,660

↓ $1,785

3 Bed

From$4,550

To$1,990

↓ $2,560

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/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.

$15,199

Monthly in San Jose, CA

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$7,373

Difference

Home Values

San Jose

Philadelphia

$1.35M

Median Value

$241K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$671K - $2.59M

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 82% less expensive than San Jose

Calculate payment - San Jose 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 Jose, 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 Jose, 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.