Side-by-side · Software Engineer
Houston vs Philadelphia
Move Value
+$4k
real, after tax + COL · per year
Career Velocity
7/10
Houston: 6/10 → step-up
10-Year Outlook
+$60k
± $95k confidence band
| Houston | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| P50 salary, role | $122k | $128k |
| State + local income tax | None | None |
| After-tax income | $94k | $98k |
| Cost of living (US = 100) | 102 | 102 |
| Median 1BR rent | $1619/mo | $1901/mo |
| Real purchasing power | $92k | $96k |
| Career Velocity (this role) | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Career Velocity v1 (0–100) | 18 · Thin | 18 · Thin |
| Walkability (0–10) | 3 | 8 |
| Outdoors (0–10) | 5 | 6 |
Who should make this move
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ·You want $4k more real income per year on day one.
- ·Your field's Career Velocity is at least as good in Philly (7/10).
- ·Your 10-year picture lands $60k ahead.
- ·East Coast walkability and culture at a Midwest cost.
Stay in Houston if…
- ·You're optimizing for what Houston uniquely offers: energy and medical jobs at one of america's lowest big-city costs.
A note on the numbers: Salaries are role-P50 from BLS-style bands. Tax is statutory state + local at ~$110k single. The 10-year outlook uses a 3-year promotion cadence with a small velocity adjustment, 2.5% COL inflation, and discounts to today's dollars. Full assumptions on the methodology page.