Is Austin, TX cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 1.8% more expensive than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to spending an extra $133 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $151,600.791 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 24.7% more expensive than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $133 more per month than Philadelphia, PA, or $1601 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Philadelphia, PA

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Austin, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $133/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.6K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↑ 1.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$133

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.6K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$558K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Philadelphia, PA vs Austin, TX

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $572more	24.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$959/mo	↓ $145less	13.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $137less	9.6%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$541/mo	↓ $65.57less	10.8%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $33.48less	1.9%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$589/mo	↓ $18.59less	3.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 24.7%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$572

🛒Groceries

↓ 13.1%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$145

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.6%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$137

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 10.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$65.57

less

📦Other

↓ 1.9%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$33.48

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.1%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$18.59

less

🏛️ 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$1,280

To$1,585

↑ $305

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,685

↑ $295

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,995

↑ $335

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$2,525

↑ $535

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$173

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Austin

$241K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 132% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$384

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.