Austin vs Philadelphia: cost of living compared
Philadelphia is 5% cheaper than Austin overall. Austin (TX) has no state income tax; PA tops out around 3.07%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Austin generally presents a higher overall cost of living compared to Philadelphia. The most significant factor contributing to this difference is housing, which is noticeably more expensive in Austin. While some everyday expenses are roughly similar between the two metros, Austin's higher costs for housing, transportation, and utilities push its overall expenses above Philadelphia's.
Housing
Housing costs are substantially higher in Austin, whether you are looking to buy or rent. Median home prices are considerably greater in Austin, and typical one-bedroom rents also reflect a noticeable difference. Philadelphia offers a more affordable housing market, often characterized by older, more established housing stock. Property taxes and insurance costs can vary, impacting the true cost of homeownership in both areas.
Taxes and everyday costs
Philadelphia has a state income tax, which is absent in Texas, impacting take-home pay for residents. Beyond this, daily spending patterns differ. Transportation costs are higher in Philadelphia, while Austin's utilities are more expensive. Food and healthcare expenses are somewhat similar, though Philadelphia's food costs are slightly higher, and its healthcare costs are also a bit more elevated.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Austin offers a warm climate with hot summers, while Philadelphia experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters and hot summers. Austin is known for its sprawling nature and car-centric transportation, though it has some public transit. Philadelphia, a much older city, is more densely populated with extensive public transportation options and a walkable urban core, offering a different pace of life.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the budget impact between Austin and Philadelphia is substantial, primarily due to housing. While Austin lacks a state income tax, its significantly higher housing costs often outweigh this benefit. Philadelphia offers more affordable housing but comes with higher transportation expenses and a state income tax, requiring a careful balance of priorities for your household budget.
| Measure | Austin, TX | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 112 |
| Housing index | 132 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 109 | 120 |
| Food index | 102 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 105 |
| Misc index | 102 | 102 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $298,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 30 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Philadelphia home with the True Cost Calculator.