Philadelphia vs Austin: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Comparing home values: Philadelphia sits at $215,500, 53% lower than Austin's $461,500.
Households earn a median $57,537 in Philadelphia, compared with $86,556 in Austin.
Monthly rent typically costs $1,250 in Philadelphia and $1,549 in Austin.
FEMA rates Philadelphia's natural-hazard risk higher than Austin's: Very High versus Relatively High.
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,593,208 | 958,202 |
| Median home value | $215,500 | $461,500 |
| Median household income | $57,537 | $86,556 |
| Median gross rent | $1,250 | $1,549 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Relatively High |
Philadelphia, PA beats Austin, TX on both housing metrics we track — home value and rent — though this doesn't capture the full cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.