Pennsylvania's cost of living index is 97 — 3.0% below the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
97
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
-3.0%
Less expensive
Median Income
$63,627
Pennsylvania median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$65,595
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 97 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | 3.0% | Below average cost |
| Median Household Income | $63,627 | Pennsylvania median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $65,595 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Moderate | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 13,002,700 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 97, Pennsylvania is roughly on par with the national average. Lower costs in Pennsylvania mean your dollar goes further. A salary of $63,627 in Pennsylvania provides the equivalent purchasing power of $65,595 in a state at the national average.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Pennsylvania's median home price of $270,000 is near the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (3.07% top rate in Pennsylvania), sales tax (6.00% state rate), and local property tax rates (1.58%).
