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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Philadelphia, PA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

4.9% Philadelphia, PA is more expensive overall
6.8% 6.8% cheaper housing
10.4% 10.4% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 6.8% cheaper
Austin
118
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries 10.4% more
Austin
96
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation 14.3% more
Austin
98
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare 8.2% more
Austin
97
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities 9.1% more
Austin
99
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1031084.9% more
Housing1181106.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,5003.4% more
Median Home Price$425,000$280,00034.1% less
Groceries9610610.4% more
Transportation9811214.3% more
Healthcare971058.2% more
Utilities991089.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Philadelphia, PA
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.07%
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Philadelphia costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Philadelphia to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Philadelphia (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
Austin979,882
Philadelphia1,603,797

Moving from Austin to Philadelphia?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Philadelphia → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Philadelphia →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Philadelphia vs Portland → Philadelphia vs Phoenix → Philadelphia vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 6.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Philadelphia?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Philadelphia?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $62,000 in Philadelphia. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Philadelphia?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $145,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.