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Philadelphia vs San Francisco: prices, pay and housing
| Philadelphia, PA | San Francisco, CA | |
|---|---|---|
| BEA price parity (U.S. = 100) | 102.6 | 115.6 |
| Average salary, all jobs | $71,730 | $100,220 |
| Median salary, all jobs | $54,310 | $74,260 |
| Average salary adjusted for prices | $69,944 | $86,686 |
| Take-home on the average salary* | $57,090 | $74,106 |
| Typical home value | $390,463 | $1,149,215 |
| Median household income | $89,273 | $133,780 |
| Home price / household income | 4.4 | 8.6 |
| Metro population | 6,241,882 | 4,653,593 |
*Single filer, federal and state income tax and FICA (2026 rules); city income taxes included where we model them.
Compare with another city or state
Equivalent salary: Philadelphia to San Francisco
To keep the same standard of living when moving from Philadelphia to San Francisco, multiply your salary by 1.127.
| Salary in Philadelphia | Same buying power in San Francisco |
|---|---|
| $50,000 in Philadelphia | $56,367 in San Francisco |
| $75,000 in Philadelphia | $84,550 in San Francisco |
| $100,000 in Philadelphia | $112,734 in San Francisco |
| $150,000 in Philadelphia | $169,101 in San Francisco |
| $200,000 in Philadelphia | $225,468 in San Francisco |
Salaries for common jobs in Philadelphia and San Francisco
| Job | Philadelphia | San Francisco | Adjusted for prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $32,250 | $38,810 | $31,447 / $33,569 |
| Software Developers | $136,050 | $193,430 | $132,662 / $167,308 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $31,880 | $44,620 | $31,086 / $38,594 |
| General and Operations Managers | $145,650 | $177,240 | $142,023 / $153,305 |
| Registered Nurses | $101,400 | $176,900 | $98,875 / $153,010 |
| Retail Salespersons | $36,970 | $47,290 | $36,049 / $40,904 |
| Cashiers | $32,970 | $43,260 | $32,149 / $37,418 |
| Office Clerks, General | $48,560 | $56,950 | $47,351 / $49,259 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $43,930 | $51,280 | $42,836 / $44,355 |
| Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel | $81,130 | $110,360 | $79,110 / $95,456 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $39,610 | $48,720 | $38,624 / $42,141 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $41,390 | $46,460 | $40,359 / $40,186 |
| Security Guards | $42,180 | $50,270 | $41,130 / $43,481 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $39,140 | $47,210 | $38,165 / $40,835 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $96,100 | $120,780 | $93,707 / $104,469 |
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Average salary vs. price-adjusted salary
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Philadelphia vs San Francisco: questions
Is Philadelphia more expensive than San Francisco?
No. BEA prices are 102.6 in Philadelphia, PA and 115.6 in San Francisco, CA (U.S. = 100).
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $100,000 in Philadelphia?
About $112,734, before taxes.
Where do salaries go further, Philadelphia or San Francisco?
San Francisco, CA: once prices are counted, its average salary buys more.
Sources and how to read this page
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas.
- Home values: Zillow Home Value Index; income and population: Census ACS 5-year 2023.
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