Cost of Living: Philadelphia vs San Jose (2026)

Philadelphia vs San Jose cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Jose is about 8% more expensive than Philadelphia overall — $100,000 in Philadelphia is worth about $107,673 in San Jose.

San Jose is about 8% more expensive than Philadelphia overall — $100,000 in Philadelphia is worth about $107,673 in San Jose.

Philadelphia vs San Jose: the numbers

MetricPhiladelphiaSan JoseDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)103110+8%
Median rent$1,323$2,617+98%
Median home value$232,400$1,187,800+411%
Median household income$60,698$141,565+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 $107,673 in San Jose. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Jose is like $92,874 in Philadelphia.

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

Compare any salary: Philadelphia vs San Jose

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 110 vs 103 — a 8% difference. Your money goes further in Philadelphia.

About $107,673 — that's what you'd need in San Jose to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Philadelphia.