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Moving from Pennsylvania to Tennessee

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax. vs. Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge.

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.

TN state flag
Moving to

Tennessee

Capital: Nashville

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 30°F · 207 sunny days

Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge.

Tennessee has an overall price level 91.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Pennsylvania
97.6
Tennessee
91.9
Tennessee has 5.8% lower overall price level
Housing index
Pennsylvania
85.1
Tennessee
79.1
Tennessee has 7.1% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.4
Tennessee
98.0
Tennessee has 1.4% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.6
Tennessee
98.8
Tennessee has 0.9% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
Tennessee
15.1 ¢/kWh
Tennessee has 28% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.5
Tennessee
98.4
Tennessee has 1.1% lower transportation
Median home value
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Tennessee
$332,600
Tennessee is 20% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
Tennessee
$1,180/mo
Tennessee is 11% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 89°F · Winter low 30°F · 207 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Pennsylvania
85°F
Tennessee
89°F
Tennessee is 4.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Pennsylvania
22°F
Tennessee
30°F
Tennessee is 36% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Pennsylvania
50°F
Tennessee
58°F
Tennessee is 16% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Pennsylvania
179
Tennessee
207
Tennessee has 16% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Pennsylvania
44 in
Tennessee
54 in
Tennessee is 23% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Pennsylvania
40
Tennessee
50
Tennessee has 25% higher AQI
Snow / year
Pennsylvania
43 in
Tennessee
5 in
Tennessee is 88% less annual snowfall

Get the full PennsylvaniaTennessee 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 Tennessee than Pennsylvania?

Tennessee's overall price level is roughly 91.9 (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. Tennessee tops out at 0%.

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

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

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