Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,978 in Massachusetts versus $1,100 in Pennsylvania. Overall, Pennsylvania runs roughly 44% cheaper on rent than Massachusetts, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $94,755 in Massachusetts and $60,698 in Pennsylvania — about 36% higher in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% state sales tax; Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Massachusetts vs Pennsylvania — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts or Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,100 runs about 44% below Massachusetts's $1,978, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Massachusetts 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 $79,000 a year in Massachusetts versus $44,000 in Pennsylvania.
- Which has lower taxes, Massachusetts or Pennsylvania?
- Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% 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 1/3 cities we track in Massachusetts/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.