Is Houston, TX cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 4.6% cheaper than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to saving $348 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $145,820.158 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Houston, TX is 5.3% cheaper than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

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

Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Houston, TX could save you approximately $348 per month, or $4180 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Philadelphia, PA

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $348/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.8K in Houston, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 4.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$348

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.2K

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$245K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Philadelphia, PA vs Houston, TX

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$911/mo	↓ $193less	17.5%
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $122less	5.3%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$552/mo	↓ $54.10less	8.9%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$562/mo	↓ $45.23less	7.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,449/mo	↑ $28.69more	2.0%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $6.70less	0.4%

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.5%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$193

less

🏠Housing

↓ 5.3%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$122

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.9%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$54.10

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$45.23

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$28.69

📦Other

↓ 0.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$6.70

less

🏛️ 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$1,280

To$1,220

↓ $60.00

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,260

↓ $130

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,500

↓ $160

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$2,020

↑ $30.00

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/mo

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$392

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Houston

$241K

Median Value

$245K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 2% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Houston

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Houston, 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.