Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than Dallas, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 0.2% more expensive than Dallas, TX. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Dallas, TX, you'd need approximately $150,178.218 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 3.3% cheaper than in Dallas, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $1,765/month in Dallas, TX.

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

Dallas, TX and Philadelphia, PA have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Dallas, TX

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Dallas, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $14.85/month more in Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.2K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 0.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$14.85

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$178

Per year

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

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$292K

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

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: Dallas, TX vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	Dallas, TX	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$1,104/mo	↑ $125more	12.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,421/mo	↑ $123more	9.5%
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,313/mo	↓ $77.96less	3.3%
⚡All Utilities	$563/mo	$607/mo	↑ $43.71more	7.8%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$607/mo	↓ $24.78less	3.9%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,774/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🛒Groceries

↑ 12.8%

Dallas, TX

$979

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$125

🚗Transportation

↑ 9.5%

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$123

🏠Housing

↓ 3.3%

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$77.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.8%

Dallas, TX

$563

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$43.71

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.9%

Dallas, TX

$632

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$24.78

less

📦Other

→ 0.0%

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Dallas, 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$1,450

To$1,280

↓ $170

1 Bed

From$1,505

To$1,390

↓ $115

2 Bed

From$1,765

To$1,660

↓ $105

3 Bed

From$2,220

To$1,990

↓ $230

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/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.

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$189

Difference

Home Values

Dallas

Philadelphia

$292K

Median Value

$241K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +27.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$138K - $2.01M

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 18% less expensive than Dallas

Calculate payment - Dallas 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

Dallas, 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

Dallas, 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.