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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Philadelphia and Odessa have a similar cost of living.

$1,323/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ≈ Same
$60,698/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 20%
$232,400 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 10%
$1,233/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 1%
1,582,432
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,332/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Odessa — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Odessa?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Odessa?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $12,332/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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