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Cost of Living: San Francisco, CA vs Philadelphia, PA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

27.0% Philadelphia, PA is cheaper overall
47.6% 47.6% cheaper housing
7.8% 7.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 47.6% cheaper
San Francisco
210
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries 7.8% cheaper
San Francisco
115
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation 12.5% cheaper
San Francisco
128
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare 11.0% cheaper
San Francisco
118
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities ~Same
San Francisco
108
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Francisco, CA Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index14810827.0% less
Housing21011047.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$3,000$1,50050.0% less
Median Home Price$1,250,000$280,00077.6% less
Groceries1151067.8% less
Transportation12811212.5% less
Healthcare11810511.0% less
Utilities108108~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Francisco, CA Philadelphia, PA
State Income Tax13.30% (top)3.07%
State Sales Tax7.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

San Francisco, CA
$130,000
Median household income
Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Philadelphia costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Philadelphia to maintain your San Francisco lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Francisco (148) vs Philadelphia (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Francisco3.8%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Francisco3.2%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Francisco34 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
San Francisco87
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
San Francisco42
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
San Francisco57°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
San Francisco808,437
Philadelphia1,603,797

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in San Francisco and Philadelphia → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Philadelphia →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?+
Philadelphia is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 47.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Francisco vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $3,000/month in San Francisco and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $1,500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Francisco or Philadelphia?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from San Francisco to Philadelphia?+
Median household income in San Francisco is $130,000 compared to $62,000 in Philadelphia. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in San Francisco vs Philadelphia?+
The median home price in San Francisco is $1,250,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $970,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.