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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Philadelphia is 7% cheaper than College Station.

$1,323/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 12%
$60,698/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 15%
$232,400 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 40%
$1,233/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 1%
1,582,432
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $155/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $1,860/year.

Median household income is $8,922/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs College Station — common questions

Is Philadelphia or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and College Station?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $155/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or College Station?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $8,922/year higher in Philadelphia.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and College Station

Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette