Quick answer
Overall prices in the Philadelphia, PA metro were 102.6 vs 115.6 in San Francisco, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Philadelphia is 11.3% less expensive than San Francisco; housing rents differ by 42% (113.1 vs 194.7). A $75,000 income in Philadelphia buys about what $84,550 buys in San Francisco, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Philadelphia | San Francisco | Philadelphia vs San Francisco |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 102.6 | 115.6 | -11.3% |
| Goods | 96.8 | 108.5 | -10.7% |
| Housing (rents) | 113.1 | 194.7 | -41.9% |
| Utilities | 114.4 | 172.6 | -33.7% |
| Other services | 103.1 | 106.2 | -3.0% |
| All items, 2008 | 106.4 | 119.1 | -10.6% |
| $50,000 in Philadelphia equals in San Francisco | $56,367 | ||
| $100,000 in Philadelphia equals in San Francisco | $112,734 | ||
| $150,000 in Philadelphia equals in San Francisco | $169,101 |
Related
- Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2024)
- Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs San Antonio, TX (2024)
- Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs San Diego, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs San Jose, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Seattle, WA (2024)
- Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs St. Louis, MO (2024)
- Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Tampa, FL (2024)
- Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Virginia Beach, VA (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.