Cost of living in Pennsylvania
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Pennsylvania are 2.4% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 97.6 (U.S. = 100), making it the #24 most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare Pennsylvania with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Pennsylvania prices
- 0.5% cheaper
- Take-home in Pennsylvania at $75,000
- $59,238$4,936 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $58,925$4,910 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +4.5%+$2,668 a year in Pennsylvania buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Pennsylvania take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Pennsylvania with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Pennsylvania as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Pennsylvania? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Pennsylvania prices by category
| Category | Pennsylvania | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 97.6 | −2.4% |
| Goods | 99.4 | −0.6% |
| Housing (rent) | 85.1 | −14.9% |
| Utilities | 109.3 | +9.3% |
| Other services | 99.8 | −0.2% |
Low housing costs keep Pennsylvania affordable: rents run 15% below average. The overall price level rose 0.2% relative to the nation versus 2023 (97.4). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Pennsylvania, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,215 | $40,785 | $41,800 | $51,244 |
| $75,000 | $15,763 | $59,238 | $60,712 | $76,866 |
| $100,000 | $23,960 | $76,040 | $77,932 | $102,488 |
At $75,000, Pennsylvania ranks #28 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Pennsylvania paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Pennsylvania equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Pennsylvania. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Pennsylvania once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | +10.6% | $82,955 | $86,991 |
| New Jersey | +11.5% | $83,634 | $86,891 |
| Delaware | +2.3% | $76,719 | $79,596 |
| Maryland | +7.6% | $80,678 | $83,119 |
| West Virginia | −8.3% | $68,793 | $67,836 |
| Ohio | −4.9% | $71,312 | $69,592 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −10.9% | $66,825 | $65,379 |
| Mississippi | −10.9% | $66,838 | $65,329 |
| Iowa | −10.1% | $67,459 | $65,904 |
| Oklahoma | −10.0% | $67,522 | $66,751 |
| California | +13.5% | $85,106 | $90,619 |
| Hawaii | +12.7% | $84,515 | $90,055 |
| Washington, DC | +12.6% | $84,477 | $88,953 |
| Texas | −0.5% | $74,604 | $71,208 |
| Florida | +6.0% | $79,491 | $76,694 |
Moving from Pennsylvania to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Pennsylvania expensive to live in?
Pennsylvania has a price level of 97.6 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 2.4% below the national average. It ranks #28 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Pennsylvania?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $73,179 in Pennsylvania before taxes. After Pennsylvania taxes, $75,000 takes home $59,238 — worth $60,712 at U.S.-average prices, #28 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's housing price level is 85.1, meaning rents are 14.9% below the national average. Goods are 99.4 and utilities 109.3.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
West Virginia (price level 89.5, −8.3% vs Pennsylvania). A $75,000 Pennsylvania salary is equivalent to $67,836 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.