🇺🇸 Philadelphia vs 🇺🇸 San Francisco
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Philadelphia
United States
$2,277–$3,605/mo
$2,277 – $3,605 / month (local)
🇺🇸
San Francisco
United States
$3,385–$5,359/mo
$3,385 – $5,359 / month (local)
San Francisco is 49% more expensive
Philadelphia wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Philadelphia (USD) | San Francisco (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,708–$2,656 | $2,538–$3,949 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $901–$1,423 | $1,340–$2,115 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Utilities | $71–$138 | $106–$204 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Groceries | $361–$541 | $536–$804 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $47–$85 | $71–$127 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Public transport (monthly) | $90–$109 | $134–$162 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Internet & Mobile | $28–$47 | $42–$71 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Gym membership | $33–$62 | $49–$92 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Cinema ticket | $13–$17 | $20–$25 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,277–$3,605 | $3,385–$5,359 | 🟢 Philadelphia |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing4.3 / 10 · 2.2 / 10
Philadelphia▲ better
San Francisco
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Philadelphia▲ better
San Francisco
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Philadelphia
San Francisco▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Philadelphia
San Francisco▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Philadelphia
San Francisco▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Philadelphia
San Francisco▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Philadelphia
San Francisco▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Philadelphia
San Francisco▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than San Francisco
- ✓History
- ✓Value vs NYC
- ✓Universities
- ✓Healthcare
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what San Francisco offers vs Philadelphia
- ✓Tech salaries
- ✓Innovation
- ✓Climate
- ✓Tech workers
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Full Philadelphia guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Philadelphia →📊
Full San Francisco guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore San Francisco →