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Moving from Alaska to Pennsylvania

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state. vs. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

AK state flag
Living now

Alaska

Capital: Juneau

Median household income $86,631 · winter low 8°F · 142 sunny days

Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

PA state flag
Moving to

Pennsylvania

Capital: Harrisburg

Median household income $73,170 · winter low 22°F · 179 sunny days

Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

Pennsylvania has an overall price level 97.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Alaska
102.4
Pennsylvania
97.6
Pennsylvania has 4.7% lower overall price level
Housing index
Alaska
93.8
Pennsylvania
85.1
Pennsylvania has 9.3% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Alaska
106.3
Pennsylvania
99.4
Pennsylvania has 6.5% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Alaska
100.4
Pennsylvania
99.6
Pennsylvania has 0.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Alaska
27.4 ¢/kWh
Pennsylvania
21.5 ¢/kWh
Pennsylvania has 21% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Alaska
100.5
Pennsylvania
99.5
Pennsylvania has 1.0% lower transportation
Median home value
Alaska
$376,500
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Pennsylvania is 26% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Alaska
$1,444/mo
Pennsylvania
$1,252/mo
Pennsylvania is 13% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 85°F · Winter low 22°F · 179 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Alaska
65°F
Pennsylvania
85°F
Pennsylvania is 31% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Alaska
8°F
Pennsylvania
22°F
Pennsylvania is 175% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Alaska
33°F
Pennsylvania
50°F
Pennsylvania is 52% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Alaska
142
Pennsylvania
179
Pennsylvania has 26% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Alaska
42 in
Pennsylvania
44 in
Pennsylvania is 4.6% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Alaska
3
Pennsylvania
56
Pennsylvania has 1767% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Alaska
2,769
Pennsylvania
0
Pennsylvania has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Alaska
85 in
Pennsylvania
43 in
Pennsylvania is 49% less annual snowfall

Get the full AlaskaPennsylvania report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania than Alaska?

Pennsylvania's overall price level is roughly 96.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.2 for Alaska, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Alaska tops out at 0% income tax. Pennsylvania tops out at 3.07%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Pennsylvania?

Most Pennsylvania residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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