Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 1.7% cheaper than Austin, TX. This translates to saving $131 per month.

What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA to live like I do in Austin, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $148,427.184 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, TX and Philadelphia, PA?

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 19.8% cheaper than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, TX to Philadelphia, PA?

Moving from Austin, TX to Philadelphia, PA could save you approximately $131 per month, or $1573 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Austin, TX

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $131/month moving to Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.4K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$131

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$241K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	Austin, TX	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$2,313/mo	↓ $572less	19.8%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,104/mo	↑ $145more	15.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,421/mo	↑ $137more	10.6%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$607/mo	↑ $65.57more	12.1%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $33.48more	1.9%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$607/mo	↑ $18.59more	3.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 19.8%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$572

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 15.1%

Austin, TX

$959

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$145

🚗Transportation

↑ 10.6%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$137

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.1%

Austin, TX

$541

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$65.57

📦Other

↑ 1.9%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

$33.48

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.2%

Austin, TX

$589

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$18.59

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

Austin, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$1,280

↓ $305

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$1,390

↓ $295

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$1,660

↓ $335

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$1,990

↓ $535

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$173

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Philadelphia

$558K

Median Value

$241K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 57% less expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Philadelphia

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$384

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.