Austin or Philadelphia

Based on 2026 cost of living data, Austin is more affordable than Philadelphia. Austin has a cost rating of 62/100, while Philadelphia has a cost rating of 66/100.

In terms of safety, Austin ranks higher with a safety score of 78/100, compared to Philadelphia at 72/100. Austin's safety score is 78/100 and Philadelphia's safety score is 72/100.

Average rent in Austin is typically $1,900 per month, whereas typical rent in Philadelphia averages $1,650 - $2,250 per month.

For Austin, the visa process is rated as: US Work Visas (Standard US H-1B, L-1, or O-1 pathways sponsored by booming tech employers.). For Philadelphia, the process is rated as: Ivy League Academic, Medical & Cell Therapy Visas (Extensive cap-exempt H-1B, O-1, and J-1 sponsorship by University of Pennsylvania, CHOP, Jefferson Health, and 50+ cell therapy biotechs.).