Quick answer
Pennsylvania has lower average 1BR rent ($1,540/mo vs $1,600/mo). State income tax: Washington (None) vs Pennsylvania (3.07%) — on a $120K salary that's $3,684/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Pennsylvania vs Washington
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Pennsylvania vs Washington at a Glance
| Metric | Pennsylvania | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,540 ✓ | $1,600 |
| Avg median home price | $253K ✓ | $570K |
| Cheapest city | Pittsburgh ($1,280) | Spokane ($1,100) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Philadelphia ($1,800) | Seattle ($2,100) |
| State income tax | 3.07% | None ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 71/100 ✓ | 62/100 |
| Cities tracked | 2 | 2 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Washington (None).
Salary $80K
$2,456
/year saved in Washington
Salary $120K
$3,684
/year saved in Washington
Salary $200K
$6,140
/year saved in Washington
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Pennsylvania (PA)
Tax reality
Pennsylvania has a 3.07% flat state income tax — among the lowest in any income-tax state. No tax on retirement income (401k withdrawals, Social Security, pensions). Property tax varies widely by local school district — Philly suburbs can be 2%+, rural counties under 1%.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Winters in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are real. Pittsburgh averages 41 inches of snow per year and stays overcast from November through April. Philadelphia is milder but still has freezing temps and 18-22 inches of average snowfall.
- ✕Philadelphia has ongoing public safety concerns in specific neighborhoods — Kensington in particular has a severe open-air drug market. Center City, South Philly, West Philly, and Northern Liberties are generally fine. Knowing neighborhoods matters.
- ✕School districts in Philly proper have struggled for decades. Suburban districts (Lower Merion, Tredyffrin-Easttown, Radnor) are among the best-funded in the US but come with $900K+ home prices.
Washington (WA)
Tax reality
Washington has no state income tax on W-2 wages. The state collects revenue through a 6.5% state sales tax (local rates push it to 9-10% in most metros) and a Business & Occupation (B&O) gross receipts tax that affects self-employed workers. A 7% capital gains tax (passed 2021) applies only to gains over $250K on investments — so most people never hit it.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Cloud cover from October through April is serious — many newcomers experience genuine seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you've never lived somewhere with low winter sunlight, test with a 2-week November visit before committing.
- ✕Home prices in Seattle proper have stayed high — $750K-$850K median for a modest SFH in decent neighborhoods. Bellevue and eastside tech suburbs run higher.
- ✕Sales tax 9-10% stings. Every purchase is noticeably more expensive than in no-sales-tax states like Oregon or Montana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania or Washington cheaper to live in?
Pennsylvania has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,540/mo vs $1,600/mo in Washington, a $60/mo difference. Home prices: Pennsylvania median is $253K vs $570K.
Pennsylvania vs Washington: which has lower state income tax?
Washington has lower state income tax (None) vs 3.07% in Pennsylvania. On an $80K salary that's $2,456/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $6,140/year.
Should I move from Pennsylvania to Washington?
Pennsylvania has a 3.07% flat state income tax — among the lowest in any income-tax state. No tax on retirement income (401k withdrawals, Social Security, pensions). Property tax varies widely by local school district — Philly suburbs can be 2%+, rural counties under 1%.
What are the best cities in Pennsylvania vs Washington?
Pennsylvania's largest metros include Pittsburgh, Philadelphia. Washington's largest metros include Seattle, Spokane. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Pennsylvania suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.