Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Philadelphia, PA (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85

Houston is 3% more expensive than Philadelphia.

$1,313/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ≈ Same
$62,894/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$60,698/yr ↓ 3%
$253,400 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$232,400 ↓ 8%
$1,316/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,233/mo ↓ 6%
2,300,419
Population
1,582,432

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Philadelphia, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 85 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,196/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $232,400 in Philadelphia.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Philadelphia — common questions

Is Houston or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Philadelphia?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Philadelphia it's $1,323/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Philadelphia?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $60,698 in Philadelphia. Median household income is $2,196/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Pennsylvania?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Philadelphia?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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