Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
34% cheaper
Philadelphia is 34% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $49,688 in Philadelphia.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Pennsylvania salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $560,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Philadelphia scores 104 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Philadelphia.
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