Cost of Living: Philadelphia vs San Diego (2026)

Philadelphia vs San Diego cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Diego is about 9% more expensive than Philadelphia overall — $100,000 in Philadelphia is worth about $109,101 in San Diego.

San Diego is about 9% more expensive than Philadelphia overall — $100,000 in Philadelphia is worth about $109,101 in San Diego.

Philadelphia vs San Diego: the numbers

MetricPhiladelphiaSan DiegoDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)103112+9%
Median rent$1,323$2,223+68%
Median home value$232,400$848,500+265%
Median household income$60,698$104,321+72%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Philadelphia has the same buying power as about $109,101 in San Diego. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Diego is like $91,659 in Philadelphia.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Philadelphia and San Diego.

Compare any salary: Philadelphia vs San Diego

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 112 vs 103 — a 9% difference. Your money goes further in Philadelphia.

About $109,101 — that's what you'd need in San Diego to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Philadelphia.