Is Philadelphia, PA or Austin, TX cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

Austin, TX leaves you more: $1,781/yr. On $120,000, Philadelphia, PA leaves $67,213/yr in pocket (state tax $3,684, housing $19,523) vs Austin, TX's $68,994 (state tax $0, housing $21,426).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (Pennsylvania: 3.07% vs Texas: 0%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Philadelphia, PA vs Austin, TX

Philadelphia, PA vs Austin, TX: cost of living on $120,000

Austin, TX +$1,781/yr On $120,000, Philadelphia, PA leaves $67,213/yr in pocket vs Austin, TX's $68,994 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Philadelphia, PA	Austin, TX
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$3,684 (3.07%)	$0 (0%)
After-tax income	$86,736	$90,420
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$19,523	$21,426
Real money in pocket	$67,213	$68,994

Verified 2026-06-23 · State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Philadelphia, PA or Austin, TX cheaper?: On $120,000, Austin, TX — by $1,781/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (Pennsylvania 3.07% vs Texas 0%) and housing cost.

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