Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 4.9% more expensive than Houston, TX. This translates to spending an extra $365 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $154,383.42 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 5.6% more expensive than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

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

Living in Philadelphia, PA costs approximately $365 more per month than Houston, TX, or $4383 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Houston, TX

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $365/month more in Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.4K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 4.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$365

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.4K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$241K

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

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: Houston, TX vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	Houston, TX	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$1,104/mo	↑ $193more	21.2%
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$2,313/mo	↑ $122more	5.6%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$607/mo	↑ $54.10more	9.8%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$607/mo	↑ $45.23more	8.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,421/mo	↓ $28.69less	2.0%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $6.70more	0.4%

🛒Groceries

↑ 21.2%

Houston, TX

$911

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$193

🏠Housing

↑ 5.6%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$122

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.8%

Houston, TX

$552

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$54.10

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.0%

Houston, TX

$562

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$45.23

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.0%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$28.69

less

📦Other

↑ 0.4%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

$6.70

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Houston, 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$1,220

To$1,280

↑ $60.00

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,390

↑ $130

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,660

↑ $160

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$1,990

↓ $30.00

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$392

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Philadelphia

$245K

Median Value

$241K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 2% less expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston 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

Houston, 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

Houston, 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.