Cost of Living for Pennsylvania (2026)
Pennsylvania (PA) Key Facts
Cost of Living Index
98
National Average Index
100
Median Household Income
$67,000
Approximate Median Rent (1 B R)
$1,050/month
State Income Tax Rate
3.07%
How This Calculator Works in Pennsylvania
This cost of living calculator helps you compare salaries between Pennsylvania and other states or cities by adjusting for purchasing power differences. Enter a salary and a target location to see what equivalent income you would need. It uses Pennsylvania's cost of living index of 98 relative to the national average of 100 to provide an accurate comparison.
Pennsylvania Overview
Pennsylvania has a cost of living index of 98, where 100 represents the national average. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh drive the state's cost of living, but central Pennsylvania is quite affordable. Property taxes vary enormously by school district. The median household income is $67,000, which has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $68,367 in an average-cost location.
How Pennsylvania Compares
Pennsylvania's cost of living index of 98 compares to New York's 127 and New Jersey's 120. Residents in Pennsylvania benefit from lower costs compared to the national average, meaning salaries stretch further here. The most affordable states like Mississippi (84) cost roughly 17% less than Pennsylvania, while the most expensive like Hawaii (192) cost 96% more.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York | COL Index: 127 | New York has a cost of living index of 127 and a median household income of $72,000. It is more expensive than Pennsylvania. |
| New Jersey | COL Index: 120 | New Jersey has a cost of living index of 120 and a median household income of $86,000. It is more expensive than Pennsylvania. |
| Ohio | COL Index: 90 | Ohio has a cost of living index of 90 and a median household income of $58,000. It is more affordable than Pennsylvania. |
The national average cost of living index is 100. Pennsylvania's index of 98 is near the national average. States like Mississippi (84) and West Virginia (84) have the lowest cost of living, while Hawaii (192) and DC (148) have the highest. Pennsylvania's median household income of $67,000 should be evaluated alongside its cost of living to understand real purchasing power.
Tips for Pennsylvania Residents
- 1Philadelphia and Pittsburgh drive the state's cost of living, but central Pennsylvania is quite affordable. Property taxes vary enormously by school district.
- 2Pennsylvania's median household income of $67,000 has a real purchasing power of about $68,367 when adjusted to the national average. Compare this figure, not the raw salary, when evaluating cross-state moves or job offers.
- 3Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate of 3.07% further reduces purchasing power beyond what the cost of living index alone shows. Factor in taxes when making state-to-state comparisons.
- 4When comparing job offers between states, adjust salaries by the cost of living index. A $60,000 salary in a state with an index of 90 provides more purchasing power than $70,000 in a state with an index above 105.
- 5Look beyond the state average — costs can vary dramatically within Pennsylvania between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Research the specific city or county where you would live.