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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Philadelphia is 8% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,323/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 9%
$60,698/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↑ 8%
$232,400 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 7%
$1,233/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 5%
1,582,432
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $124/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $1,488/year.

Median household income is $4,829/year higher in Tyler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Tyler — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Tyler?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $124/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Tyler?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $4,829/year higher in Tyler.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Tyler details →

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