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Moving from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

MA state flag
Living now

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

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
Massachusetts
105.8
Pennsylvania
97.6
Pennsylvania has 7.7% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
Pennsylvania
85.1
Pennsylvania has 34% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.4
Pennsylvania
99.4
Pennsylvania has 2.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
Pennsylvania
99.6
Pennsylvania has 1.2% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
Pennsylvania has 31% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
Pennsylvania
99.5
Pennsylvania has 1.6% lower transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Pennsylvania is 54% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
Pennsylvania is 28% 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
Massachusetts
82°F
Pennsylvania
85°F
Pennsylvania is 3.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
Pennsylvania
22°F
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
48°F
Pennsylvania
50°F
Pennsylvania is 2.7% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
200
Pennsylvania
179
Pennsylvania has 11% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
49 in
Pennsylvania
44 in
Pennsylvania is 11% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
29
Pennsylvania
40
Pennsylvania has 38% higher AQI
Snow / year
Massachusetts
50 in
Pennsylvania
43 in
Pennsylvania is 14% less annual snowfall

Get the full MassachusettsPennsylvania 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 Massachusetts?

Pennsylvania's overall price level is roughly 96.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.7 for Massachusetts — 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?

Massachusetts tops out at 9% 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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