salaryPhiladelphia is 9% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Diego to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,814
$3,011
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,623
$2,589
💵 Families earn per year
$66,816
$116,561
🔑 Buying a house
$243,100
$906,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
102.6
111.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,003
$5,945
⚡ Electric bill per month
$112
$131
👥 People living there
1,579,706
1,389,526
Commute to work
31.7 min
23.5 min
College degree
35.4%
51%
Own their home
51.8%
47.3%
Below poverty line
21.4%
11%
Unemployment
8.1%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Philadelphia for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Philadelphia | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $101,180 | $139,520 | +38% in San Diego |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,570 | $97,000 | +23% in San Diego |
| Police Officer | $89,580 | $110,400 | +23% in San Diego |
| Dental Hygienist | $100,820 | $123,790 | +23% in San Diego |
| Software Developer | $133,040 | $163,270 | +23% in San Diego |
| Physician Assistant | $135,640 | $165,160 | +22% in San Diego |
| Restaurant Cook | $38,270 | $46,440 | +21% in San Diego |
| Nurse Practitioner | $135,700 | $163,860 | +21% in San Diego |
Frequently asked questions
Is Philadelphia or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Philadelphia is about 9% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,814 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match $60,000 in Philadelphia?
About $65,460 a year gives the same standard of living in San Diego.
Where do people earn more, Philadelphia or San Diego?
The typical household earns $66,816 in Philadelphia and $116,561 in San Diego, 43% more in San Diego.
More comparisons
All Philadelphia comparisons → · All San Diego comparisons →