San Francisco, CA vs Philadelphia, PA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between San Francisco, CA and Philadelphia, PA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
San Francisco, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 117.9
- Housing RPP
- 206.4
- Goods RPP
- 114.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,359/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3% (highest in nation). No city income tax.
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.
Equivalent salary
Philadelphia, PA is cheaper than San Francisco, CA by about 14.6% (RPP 117.9 to 100.7).
$60,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $51,247
in Philadelphia, PA
$100,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $85,411
in Philadelphia, PA
$150,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $128,117
in Philadelphia, PA
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 Philadelphia, PA cheaper or more expensive than San Francisco, CA?
- Philadelphia, PA (RPP 100.7) is cheaper than San Francisco, CA (RPP 117.9) by about 14.6%.
- What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA if I earn $100,000 in San Francisco, CA?
- You would need approximately $85,411 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Francisco, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (100.7 / 117.9).