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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Philadelphia is 27% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,323/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 27%
$60,698/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 63%
$232,400 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 52%
$1,233/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 37%
1,582,432
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $351/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $4,212/year.

Median household income is $38,417/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Carrollton?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $351/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Carrollton?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $38,417/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Carrollton details →

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