Is Dallas, TX cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

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

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

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $149,822.134 in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Dallas, TX is 3.4% more expensive than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,765/month in Dallas, TX compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

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

Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Dallas, TX could save you approximately $15 per month, or $178 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Philadelphia, PA

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Dallas, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $14.82/month moving to Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.8K in Dallas, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$14.82

Savings

Annual Impact

$178

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

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$292K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Philadelphia, PA vs Dallas, TX

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Dallas, TX	Difference	Change
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$979/mo	↓ $125less	11.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,298/mo	↓ $123less	8.7%
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$2,391/mo	↑ $77.96more	3.4%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$563/mo	↓ $43.71less	7.2%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$632/mo	↑ $24.78more	4.1%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,774/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.3%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Dallas, TX

$979

Difference

$125

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.7%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Difference

$123

less

🏠Housing

↑ 3.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Difference

$77.96

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.2%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Dallas, TX

$563

Difference

$43.71

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.1%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Dallas, TX

$632

Difference

$24.78

📦Other

→ 0.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Dallas, TX

$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$1,280

To$1,450

↑ $170

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,505

↑ $115

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,765

↑ $105

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$2,220

↑ $230

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/mo

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/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

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$189

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Dallas

$241K

Median Value

$292K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.1%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 21% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Dallas

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Dallas, 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.