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Cost of Living: Houston, 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.

12.5% Philadelphia, PA is more expensive overall
19.6% 19.6% more expensive housing
12.8% 12.8% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 19.6% more
Houston
92
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries 12.8% more
Houston
94
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation 12.0% more
Houston
100
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare 10.5% more
Houston
95
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Houston
106
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Houston, TX Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index9610812.5% more
Housing9211019.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$1,50025.0% more
Median Home Price$295,000$280,0005.1% less
Groceries9410612.8% more
Transportation10011212.0% more
Healthcare9510510.5% more
Utilities106108~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Houston, 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

Houston, TX
$67,000
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 Houston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Houston (96) vs Philadelphia (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Houston4.5%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Houston3.1%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Houston30 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
Houston33
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
Houston52
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
Houston70°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
Houston2,304,580
Philadelphia1,603,797

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Houston 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houston or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 19.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Houston vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Houston and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Houston 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 Houston to Philadelphia?+
Median household income in Houston is $67,000 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 Houston vs Philadelphia?+
The median home price in Houston is $295,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $15,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.