Side-by-side comparison

Houston vs Philadelphia

Cost of living comparison for Houston, Texas and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Bottom line

Philadelphia is approximately 6% more expensive than Houston. A single person needs about $3,382/mo in Philadelphia versus $3,185/mo in Houston.

Rent in Houston vs Philadelphia

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Houston · Studio

$1,226

Philadelphia · Studio

$1,372

Philadelphia is $146 (12%) higher than Houston

Houston · 1 bedroom

$1,279

Philadelphia · 1 bedroom

$1,512

Philadelphia is $233 (18%) higher than Houston

Houston · 2 bedroom

$1,529

Philadelphia · 2 bedroom

$1,802

Philadelphia is $273 (18%) higher than Houston

Houston · 3 bedroom

$2,038

Philadelphia · 3 bedroom

$2,171

Philadelphia is $133 (7%) higher than Houston

Income & earnings in Houston vs Philadelphia

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Houston · Household income

$73,104

Philadelphia · Household income

$60,698

Houston is $12,406 (20%) higher than Philadelphia

Houston · Individual earnings

$41,738

Philadelphia · Individual earnings

$42,478

Philadelphia is $740 (2%) higher than Houston

Houston · Per capita

$39,978

Philadelphia · Per capita

$37,669

Houston is $2,309 (6%) higher than Philadelphia

Home values in Houston vs Philadelphia

Average values and property tax.

Houston · Average home value

$255,000

Philadelphia · Average home value

$232,400

Houston is $22,600 (10%) higher than Philadelphia

Houston · Annual property tax

$4,382

Philadelphia · Annual property tax

$1,952

Houston is $2,430 (124%) higher than Philadelphia

Energy in Houston vs Philadelphia

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Houston · Monthly electricity

$167

Philadelphia · Monthly electricity

$143

Houston is $24 (17%) higher than Philadelphia

Houston · Monthly gas

$32

Philadelphia · Monthly gas

$62

Philadelphia is $30 (94%) higher than Houston

Houston · Annual total

$2,388

Philadelphia · Annual total

$2,460

Philadelphia is $72 (3%) higher than Houston

Healthcare in Houston vs Philadelphia

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Houston · Individual premium

$480

Philadelphia · Individual premium

$480

Houston and Philadelphia are about the same

Houston · Family premium

$1,350

Philadelphia · Family premium

$1,350

Houston and Philadelphia are about the same

Houston · Uninsured rate

21.2%

Philadelphia · Uninsured rate

7.2%

Houston is 14.0% (194%) higher than Philadelphia

Taxes in Houston vs Philadelphia

State income and sales tax.

Houston · State income tax

0.0%

Philadelphia · State income tax

3.1%

Philadelphia is 3.1% higher than Houston

Houston · State sales tax

6.3%

Philadelphia · State sales tax

6.0%

Houston is 0.3% (4%) higher than Philadelphia

Houston · Combined sales tax

8.2%

Philadelphia · Combined sales tax

6.3%

Houston is 1.8% (29%) higher than Philadelphia

Transportation in Houston vs Philadelphia

Commute time and travel modes.

Houston · Average commute

29.0 min

Philadelphia · Average commute

32.0 min

Philadelphia is 3.0 min (10%) higher than Houston

Houston · Drive alone

72.4%

Philadelphia · Drive alone

46.7%

Houston is 25.7% (55%) higher than Philadelphia

Houston · Public transit

2.1%

Philadelphia · Public transit

17.9%

Philadelphia is 15.8% (752%) higher than Houston

Monthly cost estimates in Houston vs Philadelphia

All categories combined.

Houston · Single person

$3,185

Philadelphia · Single person

$3,382

Philadelphia is $197 (6%) higher than Houston

Houston · Couple

$4,536

Philadelphia · Couple

$4,560

Philadelphia is $24 (1%) higher than Houston

Houston · Family

$7,187

Philadelphia · Family

$7,059

Houston is $128 (2%) higher than Philadelphia

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Houston and Philadelphia.

Is Houston or Philadelphia more expensive?

Philadelphia is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $3,185/mo in Houston, Texas and $3,382/mo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a difference of about 6%.

What is the rent difference between Houston and Philadelphia?

Average one-bedroom rent in Houston, Texas is $1,279/mo versus $1,512/mo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is approximately $233 (18%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Houston or Philadelphia?

Houston has the higher average household income. Houston households earn approximately $73,104 per year; Philadelphia households earn approximately $60,698 per year.

More on Houston and Philadelphia

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

Houston profile Philadelphia profile Compare different areas

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.