Philadelphia, PA vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Philadelphia, PA and San Diego, CA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Philadelphia, PA
PA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 100.7
- Housing RPP
- 115.8
- Goods RPP
- 95.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,737/mo
Pennsylvania flat income tax 3.07%. Philadelphia city wage tax 3.75% residents.
San Diego, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 114.5
- Housing RPP
- 183.9
- Goods RPP
- 108.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,833/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
San Diego, CA is more expensive than Philadelphia, PA by about 13.7% (RPP 100.7 to 114.5).
$60,000 in Philadelphia, PA
-> $68,222
in San Diego, CA
$100,000 in Philadelphia, PA
-> $113,704
in San Diego, CA
$150,000 in Philadelphia, PA
-> $170,556
in San Diego, CA
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is San Diego, CA cheaper or more expensive than Philadelphia, PA?
- San Diego, CA (RPP 114.5) is more expensive than Philadelphia, PA (RPP 100.7) by about 13.7%.
- What salary do I need in San Diego, CA if I earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA?
- You would need approximately $113,704 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA. Formula: $100,000 x (114.5 / 100.7).