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Cost of Living: Dallas, 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.

5.9% Philadelphia, PA is more expensive overall
1.9% 1.9% more expensive housing
9.3% 9.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Dallas
108
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries 9.3% more
Dallas
97
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation 10.9% more
Dallas
101
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare 7.1% more
Dallas
98
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities 3.8% more
Dallas
104
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Dallas, TX Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1021085.9% more
Housing108110~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,400$1,5007.1% more
Median Home Price$340,000$280,00017.6% less
Groceries971069.3% more
Transportation10111210.9% more
Healthcare981057.1% more
Utilities1041083.8% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Dallas, 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

Dallas, TX
$72,000
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 Dallas lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Dallas (102) vs Philadelphia (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Dallas3.8%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Dallas3.4%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Dallas28 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
Dallas46
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
Dallas48
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
Dallas66°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
Dallas1,288,457
Philadelphia1,603,797

Moving from Dallas to Philadelphia?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Dallas 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dallas or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?+
Dallas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 1.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Dallas vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,400/month in Dallas and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Dallas 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 Dallas to Philadelphia?+
Median household income in Dallas is $72,000 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 Dallas vs Philadelphia?+
The median home price in Dallas is $340,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.