Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,059 in Ohio versus $1,189 in Pennsylvania. Overall, Ohio runs roughly 11% cheaper on rent than Pennsylvania, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,327 in Ohio and $60,698 in Pennsylvania — about 7% higher in Ohio. Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% state sales tax; Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.75%
6%
+0.3 pp in Pennsylvania
Income Tax (top rate)
2.75%
3.07%
+0.3 pp in Pennsylvania
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,059
$1,189
+12% in Pennsylvania
Median Home Value
$234,500
$232,400
+1% in Ohio
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,327
$60,698
+7% in Ohio
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.7°F
57.1°F
+4.4°F in Pennsylvania
Ohio vs Pennsylvania — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Ohio or Pennsylvania?
- Ohio is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,059 runs about 11% 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 Ohio 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 $42,000 a year in Ohio versus $48,000 in Pennsylvania.
- Which has lower taxes, Ohio or Pennsylvania?
- Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% 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 1/1 cities we track in Ohio/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.