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Moving from Pennsylvania to Montana

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

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.

MT state flag
Moving to

Montana

Capital: Helena

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

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

Montana has an overall price level 94.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Pennsylvania
97.6
Montana
94.6
Montana has 3.0% lower overall price level
Housing index
Pennsylvania
85.1
Montana
84.6
Groceries index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.4
Montana
98.7
Montana has 0.7% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.6
Montana
99.2
Electricity rate
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Montana has 36% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.5
Montana
98.9
Montana has 0.6% lower transportation
Median home value
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Montana
$425,400
Montana is 53% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
Montana
$933/mo
Montana is 12% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 83°F · Winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Pennsylvania
85°F
Montana
83°F
Montana is 2.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Pennsylvania
22°F
Montana
14°F
Montana is 36% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Pennsylvania
50°F
Montana
44°F
Montana is 12% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Pennsylvania
179
Montana
205
Montana has 15% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Pennsylvania
44 in
Montana
15 in
Montana is 65% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Pennsylvania
40
Montana
42
Montana has 5.0% higher AQI
Snow / year
Pennsylvania
43 in
Montana
51 in
Montana is 19% more annual snowfall

Get the full PennsylvaniaMontana 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 Montana than Pennsylvania?

Montana's overall price level is roughly 95 (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. Montana tops out at 5.65%.

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

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

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