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Moving from Montana to Pennsylvania

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns. vs. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

MT state flag
Living now

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small 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
Montana
94.6
Pennsylvania
97.6
Pennsylvania has 3.1% higher overall price level
Housing index
Montana
84.6
Pennsylvania
85.1
Groceries index (modeled)
Montana
98.7
Pennsylvania
99.4
Pennsylvania has 0.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Montana
99.2
Pennsylvania
99.6
Electricity rate
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
Pennsylvania has 55% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Montana
98.9
Pennsylvania
99.5
Pennsylvania has 0.6% higher transportation
Median home value
Montana
$425,400
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Pennsylvania is 35% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Montana
$933/mo
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
Pennsylvania is 14% 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
Montana
83°F
Pennsylvania
85°F
Pennsylvania is 2.4% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Montana
14°F
Pennsylvania
22°F
Pennsylvania is 57% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Montana
44°F
Pennsylvania
50°F
Pennsylvania is 14% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Montana
205
Pennsylvania
179
Pennsylvania has 13% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Montana
15 in
Pennsylvania
44 in
Pennsylvania is 186% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Montana
42
Pennsylvania
40
Pennsylvania has 4.8% lower AQI
Snow / year
Montana
51 in
Pennsylvania
43 in
Pennsylvania is 16% less 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 Montana?

Pennsylvania's overall price level is roughly 96.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 95 for Montana — 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?

Montana tops out at 5.65% 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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