Philadelphia vs San Francisco: cost of living compared
San Francisco is 92% more expensive than Philadelphia overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA vs 9.3% in CA.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving between Philadelphia and San Francisco presents a substantial shift in living expenses. San Francisco's overall cost of living is dramatically higher, driven primarily by its housing market, which stands out as significantly more expensive. While other categories like food, healthcare, and utilities also show San Francisco to be pricier, the difference in housing costs creates the most significant financial impact on a household budget.
Housing
Housing costs represent the largest disparity. Both buying a home and renting a one-bedroom apartment are considerably more expensive in San Francisco. Philadelphia offers a more accessible housing market, with a mix of historic rowhouses and modern developments. San Francisco, known for its dense, often Victorian architecture and limited space, commands premium prices for both ownership and rental properties, making homeownership a much greater financial undertaking.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all higher in San Francisco. While commute times are roughly similar, the cost of getting around is greater in San Francisco. Additionally, California's state income tax rate is noticeably higher than Pennsylvania's, further impacting take-home pay. These combined factors mean that routine spending on necessities will be substantially more in San Francisco.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the metros offer distinct lifestyles. Philadelphia experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters and humid summers, and is known for its historical character and walkable neighborhoods. San Francisco boasts a milder, more consistent climate with cooler summers and a dense, hilly urban landscape. Both cities offer extensive public transit, but San Francisco's unique topography and bay setting contribute to its distinct pace and character.
Bottom line
A move from Philadelphia to San Francisco would necessitate a much larger budget for nearly all expenses, especially housing. While both are major urban centers with robust public transportation and cultural attractions, the financial commitment required to live in San Francisco is substantially greater. Households should prepare for a significant increase in their monthly outgoings, particularly concerning rent or mortgage payments, and a higher state income tax burden.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 112 | 215 |
| Housing index | 91 | 309 |
| Transportation index | 120 | 135 |
| Food index | 105 | 125 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 122 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 148 |
| Misc index | 102 | 138 |
| Median home price | $298,000 | $1,250,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $3,450/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific San Francisco home with the True Cost Calculator.