Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than San Antonio, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 11.2% more expensive than San Antonio, TX. This translates to spending an extra $841 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Antonio, TX, you'd need approximately $160,087.912 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 10.1% more expensive than in San Antonio, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX.

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

Living in Philadelphia, PA costs approximately $841 more per month than San Antonio, TX, or $10088 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Antonio, TX

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Antonio, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $841/month more in Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.1K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 11.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$841

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.1K

Per year

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

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$215K

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$241K

San Antonio, TX

The Lone Star State

1.5M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 1.5M residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

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: San Antonio, TX vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	San Antonio, TX	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,100/mo	$2,313/mo	↑ $213more	10.1%
🛒Groceries	$913/mo	$1,104/mo	↑ $191more	20.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,287/mo	$1,421/mo	↑ $134more	10.4%
📦Other	$1,647/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $127more	7.7%
⚡All Utilities	$496/mo	$607/mo	↑ $111more	22.4%
🏥Healthcare	$527/mo	$607/mo	↑ $80.54more	15.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 10.1%

San Antonio, TX

$2,100

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$213

🛒Groceries

↑ 20.9%

San Antonio, TX

$913

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$191

🚗Transportation

↑ 10.4%

San Antonio, TX

$1,287

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$134

📦Other

↑ 7.7%

San Antonio, TX

$1,647

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

$127

⚡All Utilities

↑ 22.4%

San Antonio, TX

$496

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$111

🏥Healthcare

↑ 15.3%

San Antonio, TX

$527

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$80.54

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Antonio, 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$1,110

To$1,280

↑ $170

1 Bed

From$1,210

To$1,390

↑ $180

2 Bed

From$1,470

To$1,660

↑ $190

3 Bed

From$1,890

To$1,990

↑ $100

San Antonio, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $840–$1,770/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.

$6,969

Monthly in San Antonio, TX

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$857

Difference

Home Values

San Antonio

Philadelphia

$215K

Median Value

$241K

↓ -2.9%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +16.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$107K - $905K

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 12% more expensive than San Antonio

Calculate payment - San Antonio 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

San Antonio, 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

San Antonio, 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.