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Moving from Kansas to Pennsylvania

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Plains, aviation industry, university towns. vs. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

KS state flag
Living now

Kansas

Capital: Topeka

Median household income $69,747 · winter low 21°F · 217 sunny days

Plains, aviation industry, university towns.

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
Kansas
90.1
Pennsylvania
97.6
Pennsylvania has 8.3% higher overall price level
Housing index
Kansas
71.2
Pennsylvania
85.1
Pennsylvania has 20% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Kansas
97.5
Pennsylvania
99.4
Pennsylvania has 1.9% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Kansas
98.5
Pennsylvania
99.6
Pennsylvania has 1.1% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Kansas
15.3 ¢/kWh
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
Pennsylvania has 36% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Kansas
98.0
Pennsylvania
99.5
Pennsylvania has 1.5% higher transportation
Median home value
Kansas
$238,700
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Pennsylvania is 16% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Kansas
$861/mo
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
Pennsylvania is 24% more expensive 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
Kansas
89°F
Pennsylvania
85°F
Pennsylvania is 4.5% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Kansas
21°F
Pennsylvania
22°F
Pennsylvania is 4.8% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Kansas
55°F
Pennsylvania
50°F
Pennsylvania is 8.8% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Kansas
217
Pennsylvania
179
Pennsylvania has 18% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Kansas
32 in
Pennsylvania
44 in
Pennsylvania is 38% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Kansas
38
Pennsylvania
40
Pennsylvania has 5.3% higher AQI
Snow / year
Kansas
16 in
Pennsylvania
43 in
Pennsylvania is 169% more annual snowfall

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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 Kansas?

Pennsylvania's overall price level is roughly 96.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 90.1 for Kansas — 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?

Kansas tops out at 5.58% 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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