Cost of Living: Philadelphia vs San Francisco (2026)

Philadelphia vs San Francisco cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Francisco is about 13% more expensive than Philadelphia overall — $100,000 in Philadelphia is worth about $112,734 in San Francisco.

San Francisco is about 13% more expensive than Philadelphia overall — $100,000 in Philadelphia is worth about $112,734 in San Francisco.

Philadelphia vs San Francisco: the numbers

MetricPhiladelphiaSan FranciscoDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)103116+13%
Median rent$1,323$2,419+83%
Median home value$232,400$1,380,500+494%
Median household income$60,698$141,446+133%

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 $112,734 in San Francisco. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Francisco is like $88,705 in Philadelphia.

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

Compare any salary: Philadelphia vs San Francisco

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 116 vs 103 — a 13% difference. Your money goes further in Philadelphia.

About $112,734 — that's what you'd need in San Francisco to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Philadelphia.