Philadelphia, PA vs Houston, TX: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Philadelphia, PA and Houston, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
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.
Houston, TX
TX
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 98.8
- Housing RPP
- 108
- Goods RPP
- 97.9
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,357/mo
Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~2% effective rate.
Equivalent salary
Houston, TX is cheaper than Philadelphia, PA by about 1.9% (RPP 100.7 to 98.8).
$60,000 in Philadelphia, PA
-> $58,868
in Houston, TX
$100,000 in Philadelphia, PA
-> $98,113
in Houston, TX
$150,000 in Philadelphia, PA
-> $147,170
in Houston, TX
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 Houston, TX cheaper or more expensive than Philadelphia, PA?
- Houston, TX (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than Philadelphia, PA (RPP 100.7) by about 1.9%.
- What salary do I need in Houston, TX if I earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA?
- You would need approximately $98,113 in Houston, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 100.7).