Pennsylvania
Northeast · Capital: Harrisburg · Two big cities, rolling farmland, and revolutionary history.
Population
13.0M
Median Home
$275K
Median Rent
$1,300/mo
Avg Salary
$63,000
Income Tax
3.07%
Cost of Living
Why people move to Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania anchors the mid-Atlantic with two very different major cities — historic, food-loving Philadelphia and reinvented, tech-forward Pittsburgh, which transformed from steel town to a hub for robotics, AI, and healthcare. A low flat income tax and affordable housing outside the core neighborhoods add to the appeal.
Between the cities lies a vast expanse of farmland, Amish country, and Appalachian ridges. Winters are cold and some regions saw industrial decline, but strong universities, world-class hospitals, and rich history make it a solid, well-rounded place to live.
Region
Northeast
Capital
Harrisburg
Homeownership
69%
Unemployment
3.8%
Top cities
Philadelphia
Population 1.6M
Historic, walkable city with a booming eds-and-meds economy.
Pittsburgh
Population 302K
Robotics and AI hub reborn from its steel roots.
Allentown
Population 125K
Growing Lehigh Valley logistics center.
Erie
Population 94K
Affordable lakefront city in the northwest.
Harrisburg
Population 50K
Riverfront state capital.
Lancaster
Population 58K
Charming city in the heart of Amish country.
Cost of living breakdown
Indexed to the U.S. national average (100). Pennsylvania's overall cost index is 96 — a moderate cost state.
Housing
Median Home
$275K
Median Rent
$1,300/mo
Property Tax
1.49%
Homeowners
69%
| City | Cost level | Est. rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | High cost | $1,625/mo |
| Pittsburgh | Moderate cost | $1,300/mo |
| Allentown | Moderate cost | $1,300/mo |
| Erie | Low cost | $1,050/mo |
| Harrisburg | Moderate cost | $1,300/mo |
About 69% of residents own their homes. Effective property tax runs near 1.49% of assessed value — budget this into any purchase.
Housing assistance in Pennsylvania
Explore Pennsylvania vouchers, affordable apartments, down-payment help, rental & utility assistance, senior, veteran, and disability housing — with eligibility and how to apply.
Jobs & economy
Top industries
Major employers
- UPMC
- Comcast
- University of Pennsylvania
- Vanguard
Unemployment
3.8%
Remote-friendly
High
Illustrative salaries by sector
Schools & education
K–12 & top districts
Pennsylvania public schools serve families across urban and suburban districts. Sought-after systems cluster around its largest metros — including Philadelphia area schools, Pittsburgh area schools, Allentown area schools.
Universities & colleges
- University of Pennsylvania
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Penn State University
Healthcare
Major hospitals & systems
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
- UPMC Presbyterian
Access & insurance landscape
Care access is strongest in and around Philadelphia. Most residents use employer or marketplace (ACA) plans; rural areas can mean longer drives to specialist care, so factor network coverage into where you settle.
Transportation & getting around
Walk score
47/100
Transit
Philadelphia's SEPTA and Pittsburgh's transit are solid; rural areas are car-dependent.
I-95 and I-90 connect the region's dense corridor of cities. Average one-way commute is about 28 minutes; walkability scores near 47/100 statewide, higher in the largest cities.
Airports & hubs
Philadelphia
American Airlines hub
Pittsburgh
Western Pennsylvania gateway
Weather & natural disaster risk
Humid continental with warm summers, cold winters, and colorful autumns.
Taxes
State income tax
3.07%
State sales tax
6%
Property tax
1.49%
State income tax: 3.07%. Statewide sales tax is 6% (local add-ons may apply), and effective property tax averages 1.49% of home value.
Driver license & vehicle registration
New-resident timeline
20 days to register, immediately for license.
Bring proof of identity, residency, and vehicle title. Expect a vision test and title transfer fees; a REAL ID upgrade needs extra documents.
Emissions testing
Required (some counties)
Typical license fee
$55–$110
Business registration & climate
LLC filing fee
$125
Corp income tax
Standard
Startup climate
Vibrant
Best for founders
Yes
Form an LLC through the Secretary of State's online portal for around $125. Startup resources include the Harrisburg Small Business Development Center, local SCORE chapters, and university programs at University of Pennsylvania.
Commercial space & coworking
Office and retail leasing is most active in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Rates track the state's moderate cost profile — expect a premium downtown and value in suburban submarkets.
Vendor & pop-up events
Philadelphia Flower Show
The world's largest and longest-running horticultural event.
Pittsburgh Three Rivers Arts Festival
A free 10-day celebration of art and music downtown.
Churches & community resources
Faith communities
Diverse, with strong Catholic, mainline Protestant, and historic Amish and Mennonite communities.
Getting connected
Community centers, libraries, and newcomer meetups in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are great first stops to build a network.
Diverse communities
Philadelphia has a large African American community and growing Latino and Asian populations.
The honest take on Pennsylvania
Pros
- Low flat income tax
- Two dynamic, affordable cities
- Rich history and top universities
Cons
- Cold winters
- Higher property taxes
- Industrial decline in some regions
Create my move plan for Pennsylvania
Turn this research into a personalized, step-by-step relocation plan — budget, housing, jobs, and community, guided by your AI advisor.
Start my Pennsylvania plan