Philadelphia, PA vs San Jose, CA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Philadelphia, PA and San Jose, 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 Jose, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 115.3
- Housing RPP
- 233.3
- Goods RPP
- 108.9
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,132/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
San Jose, CA is more expensive than Philadelphia, PA by about 14.5% (RPP 100.7 to 115.3).
$60,000 in Philadelphia, PA
-> $68,699
in San Jose, CA
$100,000 in Philadelphia, PA
-> $114,499
in San Jose, CA
$150,000 in Philadelphia, PA
-> $171,748
in San Jose, 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 Jose, CA cheaper or more expensive than Philadelphia, PA?
- San Jose, CA (RPP 115.3) is more expensive than Philadelphia, PA (RPP 100.7) by about 14.5%.
- What salary do I need in San Jose, CA if I earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA?
- You would need approximately $114,499 in San Jose, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA. Formula: $100,000 x (115.3 / 100.7).