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Moving from Pennsylvania to Alabama

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax. vs. Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

PA state flag
Living now

Pennsylvania

Capital: Harrisburg

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

Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

AL state flag
Moving to

Alabama

Capital: Montgomery

Median household income $59,674 · winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days

Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

Alabama has an overall price level 88.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Pennsylvania
97.6
Alabama
88.8
Alabama has 9.0% lower overall price level
Housing index
Pennsylvania
85.1
Alabama
61.8
Alabama has 27% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.4
Alabama
97.2
Alabama has 2.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.6
Alabama
98.3
Alabama has 1.3% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
Alabama
17.2 ¢/kWh
Alabama has 18% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.5
Alabama
97.8
Alabama has 1.8% lower transportation
Median home value
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Alabama
$233,300
Alabama is 16% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
Alabama
$889/mo
Alabama is 16% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Pennsylvania
85°F
Alabama
91°F
Alabama is 7.1% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Pennsylvania
22°F
Alabama
35°F
Alabama is 59% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Pennsylvania
50°F
Alabama
63°F
Alabama is 26% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Pennsylvania
179
Alabama
213
Alabama has 19% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Pennsylvania
44 in
Alabama
56 in
Alabama is 28% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Pennsylvania
40
Alabama
42
Alabama has 5.0% higher AQI
Snow / year
Pennsylvania
43 in
Alabama
1 in
Alabama is 98% less annual snowfall

Get the full PennsylvaniaAlabama 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 Alabama than Pennsylvania?

Alabama's overall price level is roughly 87.9 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.8 for Pennsylvania — 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?

Pennsylvania tops out at 3.07% income tax. Alabama tops out at 5%.

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

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

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