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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

El Paso

Texas
67

Philadelphia is 27% more expensive than El Paso.

$1,323/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,041/mo ↓ 21%
$60,698/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$58,734/yr ↓ 3%
$232,400 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$171,700 ↓ 26%
$1,233/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,044/mo ↓ 15%
1,582,432
Population
678,147

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
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and El Paso, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $282/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $3,384/year.

Median household income is $1,964/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $171,700 in El Paso.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs El Paso — common questions

Is Philadelphia or El Paso cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and El Paso?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in El Paso it's $1,041/month — a difference of $282/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or El Paso?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $58,734 in El Paso. Median household income is $1,964/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 El Paso?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while El Paso has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,041/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View El Paso details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and El Paso

Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas El Paso vs. Nashville El Paso vs. Washington El Paso vs. Oklahoma City El Paso vs. Boston El Paso vs. Denver El Paso vs. Las Vegas