ReloMath

Austin, TX vs Philadelphia, PA: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Austin, TX and Philadelphia, PA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗
Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Austin, TX

TX

Overall RPP (US=100)
98.8
Housing RPP
126.4
Goods RPP
93.6
2-BR median rent
$1,924/mo

Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~2% effective rate.

Philadelphia, PA

PA

Overall RPP (US=100)
100.7
Housing RPP
115.8
Goods RPP
95.5
2-BR median rent
$1,737/mo

Pennsylvania flat income tax 3.07%. Philadelphia city wage tax 3.75% residents.

Equivalent salary

Philadelphia, PA is more expensive than Austin, TX by about 1.9% (RPP 98.8 to 100.7).

$60,000 in Austin, TX

-> $61,154

in Philadelphia, PA

$100,000 in Austin, TX

-> $101,923

in Philadelphia, PA

$150,000 in Austin, TX

-> $152,885

in Philadelphia, PA

This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper or more expensive than Austin, TX?
Philadelphia, PA (RPP 100.7) is more expensive than Austin, TX (RPP 98.8) by about 1.9%.
What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA if I earn $100,000 in Austin, TX?
You would need approximately $101,923 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Austin, TX. Formula: $100,000 x (100.7 / 98.8).