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Moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

IL state flag
Living now

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days

Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

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
Illinois
100.0
Pennsylvania
97.6
Pennsylvania has 2.4% lower overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
Pennsylvania
85.1
Pennsylvania has 9.4% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Pennsylvania
99.4
Pennsylvania has 0.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Pennsylvania
99.6
Electricity rate
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
Pennsylvania has 11% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Pennsylvania
99.5
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Pennsylvania is 1.1% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
Pennsylvania is 9.0% cheaper to rent

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

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

Avg summer high
Illinois
85°F
Pennsylvania
85°F
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
Pennsylvania
22°F
Pennsylvania is 16% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
Pennsylvania
50°F
Pennsylvania is 4.6% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
Pennsylvania
179
Pennsylvania has 5.3% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
Pennsylvania
44 in
Pennsylvania is 8.8% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Illinois
40
Pennsylvania
40
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
Pennsylvania
43 in
Pennsylvania is 126% more annual snowfall

Get the full IllinoisPennsylvania report

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

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania than Illinois?

Pennsylvania's overall price level is roughly 96.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.4 for Illinois — 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?

Illinois tops out at 4.95% 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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