Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Pennsylvania to Alaska

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax. vs. Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

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.

AK state flag
Moving to

Alaska

Capital: Juneau

Median household income $86,631 · winter low 8°F · 142 sunny days

Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

Alaska has an overall price level 102.4 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Pennsylvania
97.6
Alaska
102.4
Alaska has 4.9% higher overall price level
Housing index
Pennsylvania
85.1
Alaska
93.8
Alaska has 10% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.4
Alaska
100.6
Alaska has 1.2% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.6
Alaska
100.4
Alaska has 0.7% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
Alaska
27.2 ¢/kWh
Alaska has 30% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.5
Alaska
100.5
Alaska has 1.0% higher transportation
Median home value
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Alaska
$376,500
Alaska is 36% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
Alaska
$1,048/mo
Alaska is 1.5% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 65°F · Winter low 8°F · 142 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Pennsylvania
85°F
Alaska
65°F
Alaska is 24% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Pennsylvania
22°F
Alaska
8°F
Alaska is 64% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Pennsylvania
50°F
Alaska
33°F
Alaska is 34% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Pennsylvania
179
Alaska
142
Alaska has 21% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Pennsylvania
44 in
Alaska
42 in
Alaska is 4.4% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Pennsylvania
40
Alaska
8
Alaska has 80% lower AQI
Snow / year
Pennsylvania
43 in
Alaska
85 in
Alaska is 98% more annual snowfall

Get the full PennsylvaniaAlaska report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Alaska than Pennsylvania?

Alaska's overall price level is roughly 105.2 (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. Alaska tops out at 0%.

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

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

Related comparisons