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Moving from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts

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

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.

MA state flag
Moving to

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

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

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

Massachusetts has an overall price level 105.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Pennsylvania
97.6
Massachusetts
105.8
Massachusetts has 8.4% higher overall price level
Housing index
Pennsylvania
85.1
Massachusetts
128.1
Massachusetts has 51% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Pennsylvania
99.4
Massachusetts
98.8
Massachusetts has 0.5% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.6
Massachusetts
100.9
Massachusetts has 1.2% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Pennsylvania
21.5 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts
29.5 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts has 37% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.5
Massachusetts
101.2
Massachusetts has 1.6% higher transportation
Median home value
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Massachusetts
$607,400
Massachusetts is 119% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Pennsylvania
$1,252/mo
Massachusetts
$1,848/mo
Massachusetts is 48% more expensive to rent

Sources: EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Pennsylvania
85°F
Massachusetts
82°F
Massachusetts is 3.5% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Pennsylvania
22°F
Massachusetts
22°F
Sunny days / year
Pennsylvania
49.7
Massachusetts
200
Massachusetts has 302% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Pennsylvania
179 in
Massachusetts
47 in
Massachusetts is 74% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Pennsylvania
43.5
Massachusetts
46
Massachusetts has 5.7% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Pennsylvania
56
Massachusetts
0
Massachusetts has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Pennsylvania
0 in
Massachusetts
25 in

Get the full PennsylvaniaMassachusetts report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts than Pennsylvania?

Massachusetts's overall price level is roughly 109.7 (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. Massachusetts tops out at 9%.

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

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

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