Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,349 in North Carolina versus $1,189 in Pennsylvania. Overall, Pennsylvania runs roughly 12% cheaper on rent than North Carolina, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $80,431 in North Carolina and $60,698 in Pennsylvania — about 25% higher in North Carolina. North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% 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)
North Carolina vs Pennsylvania — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina or Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,189 runs about 12% below North Carolina's $1,349, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in North Carolina 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 $54,000 a year in North Carolina versus $48,000 in Pennsylvania.
- Which has lower taxes, North Carolina or Pennsylvania?
- North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% 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 2/1 cities we track in North Carolina/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.