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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Fort Worth

Texas
97

Philadelphia is 12% cheaper than Fort Worth.

$1,323/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 7%
$60,698/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$76,602/yr ↑ 26%
$232,400 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$277,300 ↑ 19%
$1,233/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,489/mo ↑ 21%
1,582,432
Population
941,311

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
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Fort Worth, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 97 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $15,904/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $277,300 in Fort Worth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Fort Worth — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Fort Worth it's $1,412/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Fort Worth?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $76,602 in Fort Worth. Median household income is $15,904/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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