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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Philadelphia is 39% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,323/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 35%
$60,698/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 133%
$232,400 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 106%
$1,233/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 63%
1,582,432
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $469/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $5,628/year.

Median household income is $80,655/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Philadelphia or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $469/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $80,655/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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