Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $963 in Indiana versus $1,189 in Pennsylvania. Overall, Indiana runs roughly 19% cheaper on rent than Pennsylvania, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $62,995 in Indiana and $60,698 in Pennsylvania — about 4% higher in Indiana. Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% state sales tax; Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
7%
6%
+1.0 pp in Indiana
Income Tax (top rate)
2.95%
3.07%
+0.1 pp in Pennsylvania
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$963
$1,189
+23% in Pennsylvania
Median Home Value
$207,000
$232,400
+12% in Pennsylvania
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$62,995
$60,698
+4% in Indiana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
53.2°F
57.1°F
+3.9°F in Pennsylvania
Indiana vs Pennsylvania — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Indiana or Pennsylvania?
- Indiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $963 runs about 19% below Pennsylvania's $1,189, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Indiana than in Pennsylvania?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $39,000 a year in Indiana versus $48,000 in Pennsylvania.
- Which has lower taxes, Indiana or Pennsylvania?
- Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% state sales tax. Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Indiana/Pennsylvania — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.