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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Philadelphia is 14% cheaper than Midland.

$1,323/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 6%
$60,698/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 50%
$232,400 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$298,600 ↑ 28%
$1,233/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 19%
1,582,432
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $30,471/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Midland — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Midland?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Midland?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $30,471/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Midland details →

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