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Moving from Tennessee to Pennsylvania

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

TN state flag
Living now

Tennessee

Capital: Nashville

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

Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge.

PA state flag
Moving to

Pennsylvania

Capital: Harrisburg

Median household income $73,170 · winter low 22°F · 179 sunny days

Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

Pennsylvania has an overall price level 97.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Tennessee
91.9
Pennsylvania
97.6
Pennsylvania has 6.2% higher overall price level
Housing index
Tennessee
79.1
Pennsylvania
85.1
Pennsylvania has 7.6% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Tennessee
98.0
Pennsylvania
99.4
Pennsylvania has 1.5% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Tennessee
98.8
Pennsylvania
99.6
Pennsylvania has 0.9% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Tennessee
15.1 ¢/kWh
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
Pennsylvania has 39% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Tennessee
98.4
Pennsylvania
99.5
Pennsylvania has 1.2% higher transportation
Median home value
Tennessee
$332,600
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Pennsylvania is 17% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Tennessee
$1,180/mo
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
Pennsylvania is 9.8% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 85°F · Winter low 22°F · 179 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Tennessee
89°F
Pennsylvania
85°F
Pennsylvania is 4.5% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Tennessee
30°F
Pennsylvania
22°F
Pennsylvania is 27% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Tennessee
58°F
Pennsylvania
50°F
Pennsylvania is 14% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Tennessee
207
Pennsylvania
179
Pennsylvania has 14% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Tennessee
54 in
Pennsylvania
44 in
Pennsylvania is 19% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Tennessee
50
Pennsylvania
40
Pennsylvania has 20% lower AQI
Snow / year
Tennessee
5 in
Pennsylvania
43 in
Pennsylvania is 760% more annual snowfall

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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 Pennsylvania than Tennessee?

Pennsylvania's overall price level is roughly 96.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 91.9 for Tennessee — 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?

Tennessee tops out at 0% income tax. Pennsylvania tops out at 3.07%.

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

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

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