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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Philadelphia is 20% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,323/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 16%
$60,698/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 3%
$232,400 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 23%
$1,233/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 10%
1,582,432
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $217/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $2,604/year.

Median household income is $2,022/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Abilene — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Abilene?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $217/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Abilene?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $2,022/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Texas?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

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Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland