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Philadelphia vs San Francisco cost of living 2026
Which is cheaper, what exactly is cheaper, and how it feels on your money ยท Updated October 2026
๐บ๐ธ Philadelphia
๐บ๐ธ San Francisco
At a glance
- Where Philadelphia is clearly cheaper: Studio rent (month) (53%โ), Beer (28%โ), Restaurant dinner (24%โ)
By category
Salary equivalence
Travel difficulty
Philadelphia is easier to travel (1.4 vs 1.6). Biggest gap: safety โ Philadelphia 2 vs San Francisco 3. Closer to 1 is easier. Difficulty ranking โบ
Item by item
| Item | Philadelphia | San Francisco | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local mealper person | $ 22$22 | $ 25$25 | Philadelphia โ12% |
| Street food1 item | $ 12$12 | $ 15$15 | Philadelphia โ20% |
| Restaurant dinnerper person | $ 42$42 | $ 55$55 | Philadelphia โ24% |
| Coffeeone cup | $ 5.1$5.1 | $ 6.5$6.5 | Philadelphia โ22% |
| Beerone bottle | $ 6.5$6.5 | $ 9$9 | Philadelphia โ28% |
| Cocktail & wineone cup | $ 14$14 | $ 17$17 | Philadelphia โ18% |
| Bottled water | $ 2$2 | $ 2.5$2.5 | Philadelphia โ20% |
| Convenience store1 snack or drink | $ 2.8$2.8 | $ 3$3 | Philadelphia โ7% |
| Taxi5 km in town | $ 15$15 | $ 16$16 | Philadelphia โ6% |
| Tuk-tuk / moto taxishort hop | $ 9$9 | $ 11$11 | Philadelphia โ18% |
| Transitone ride | $ 2.9$2.9 | $ 2.85$2.85 | similar |
| Scooter rentalper day | $ 35$35 | $ 45$45 | Philadelphia โ22% |
| Hotel night3-star | $ 175$175 | $ 200$200 | Philadelphia โ12% |
| Studio rent (month) | $ 1,550$1,550 | $ 3,300$3,300 | Philadelphia โ53% |
| Laundry | $ 4$4 | $ 5$5 | Philadelphia โ20% |
| SIM card1 week data | $ 25$25 | $ 25$25 | similar |
| Haircutcut | $ 33$33 | $ 38$38 | Philadelphia โ13% |
| Massage1 hour | $ 90$90 | $ 110$110 | Philadelphia โ18% |
| Half-day tourper person | $ 55$55 | $ 70$70 | Philadelphia โ21% |
| Entry ticketTourist town | $ 30$30 | $ 35$35 | Philadelphia โ14% |
Reference prices start as estimates from published price levels; items with 3+ traveler reports use the median of real reports. Hostels and local eateries cut both by 30%+.
FAQ
Which is cheaper, Philadelphia or San Francisco?
Philadelphia is 31% cheaper than San Francisco. Daily budget $336 vs $391; a month $6,015 vs $10,400.
Which is easier to travel, Philadelphia or San Francisco?
Philadelphia is easier: Philadelphia 1.4/5 vs San Francisco 1.6/5 (average of rip-offs, language, transport, payments and safety).
How do monthly costs compare between Philadelphia and San Francisco?
With a short-term studio and living costs, Philadelphia is about $6,015 and San Francisco about $10,400 per month.
Where do the numbers come from?
They start as estimates informed by published price levels; any item with 3+ traveler reports switches to the median of real reports. Live reports are in the app.