Austin vs Philadelphia

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $70,695 in Philadelphia.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Austin feels like $70,695 in Philadelphia. Moving would increase your purchasing power by 1%.

Income
Housing

Austin

Philadelphia

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
moderate
 
moderate
1BR Rent
$1,562/mo
 
$1,520/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
PA tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,624
Remote Work Fit
Austin is frequently explored by remote workers leaving coastal metros. The no-state-income-tax advantage is meaningful, though housing costs have risen toward moderate pressure levels.
 
Philadelphia is increasingly explored by remote workers leaving higher-cost Northeastern metros. Its transit access, cultural density, and relative housing affordability make it a compelling option for those maintaining coastal salaries.
Walk Score
42
 
75
Comfortable
$60-80k · Austin vs Philadelphia
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,803/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Austin, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

No city is objectively better. Austin and Philadelphia each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

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Austin profile Philadelphia profile Run Reality Check →
FAQ

Austin vs Philadelphia — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Austin or Philadelphia?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,562/mo in Austin and $1,520/mo in Philadelphia. Philadelphia has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in Philadelphia to match Austin?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $70,695 in Philadelphia — a gain of about 1% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Austin and Philadelphia?

Austin is in TX (no state income tax) and Philadelphia is in PA (PA levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.