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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Philadelphia is 34% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,323/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 38%
$60,698/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 59%
$232,400 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 75%
$1,233/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 46%
1,582,432
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $502/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $6,024/year.

Median household income is $35,559/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Richardson — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Richardson?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $502/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Richardson?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $35,559/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and Richardson

Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater