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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Dallas

Texas
97

Philadelphia is 12% cheaper than Dallas.

$1,323/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,403/mo ↑ 6%
$60,698/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$67,760/yr ↑ 12%
$232,400 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$295,300 ↑ 27%
$1,233/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,409/mo ↑ 14%
1,582,432
Population
1,299,553

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Dallas, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 97 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $7,062/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $295,300 in Dallas.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Dallas — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Dallas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Dallas?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Dallas it's $1,403/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Dallas?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $67,760 in Dallas. Median household income is $7,062/year higher in Dallas.
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 Dallas?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Dallas has a cost index of 97 with rent of $1,403/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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