Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Pennsylvania to Washington

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax. vs. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

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.

WA state flag
Moving to

Washington

Capital: Olympia

Median household income $90,325 · winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days

Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

Washington has an overall price level 107.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Pennsylvania
97.6
Washington
107.0
Washington has 9.7% higher overall price level
Housing index
Pennsylvania
85.1
Washington
126.0
Washington has 48% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.4
Washington
101.8
Washington has 2.4% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.6
Washington
101.1
Washington has 1.4% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Washington has 31% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.5
Washington
101.4
Washington has 1.9% higher transportation
Median home value
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Washington
$602,200
Washington is 117% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
Washington
$1,641/mo
Washington is 54% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 79°F · Winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Pennsylvania
85°F
Washington
79°F
Washington is 7.1% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Pennsylvania
22°F
Washington
35°F
Washington is 59% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Pennsylvania
50°F
Washington
50°F
Sunny days / year
Pennsylvania
179
Washington
152
Washington has 15% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Pennsylvania
44 in
Washington
40 in
Washington is 8.3% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Pennsylvania
40
Washington
39
Washington has 2.5% lower AQI
Snow / year
Pennsylvania
43 in
Washington
29 in
Washington is 33% less annual snowfall

Get the full PennsylvaniaWashington 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 Washington than Pennsylvania?

Washington's overall price level is roughly 105.8 (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. Washington tops out at 0%.

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

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

Related comparisons