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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania

San Antonio

Texas

Philadelphia is 3% more expensive than San Antonio.

$1,323/mo ↑ 5%

Median Rent

$1,258/mo ↓ 5%

$60,698/yr ↓ 4%

Median Income

$62,917/yr ↑ 4%

$232,400 ↑ 6%

Home Value

$219,700 ↓ 5%

$1,233/mo ≈ Same

Owner Costs

$1,235/mo ≈ Same

1,582,432

Population

1,458,954

Tax Comparison

3.07%

Income Tax

6.0%

Sales Tax

6.25%

1.49%

Property Tax

1.6%

Affordability

26.2%

rent-to-income

Affordability

24.0%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and San Antonio, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $2,219/year higher in San Antonio. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $219,700 in San Antonio.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs San Antonio — common questions

Is Philadelphia or San Antonio cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 85 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and San Antonio?

Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in San Antonio it's $1,258/month — a difference of $65/month.

Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or San Antonio?

Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $62,917 in San Antonio. Median household income is $2,219/year higher in San Antonio.

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 San Antonio?

It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,258/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.