North Carolina vs Pennsylvania Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$76,609
in North Carolina
$77,240
in Pennsylvania
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | North Carolina | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 94.0 | 86.8 | +8% |
| Groceries | 99.0 | 98.5 | +1% |
| Utilities | 94.7 | 108.7 | -13% |
| Transportation | 92.2 | 104.0 | -11% |
| Healthcare | 110.2 | 93.7 | +18% |
| Dining & Misc | 101.4 | 101.2 | 0% |
| Overall | 97.9 | 97.1 | +1% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in North Carolina.
What things actually cost
| Item | North Carolina | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $325,000 | $270,000 | +$55,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,316/mo | $1,215/mo | +$101 |
| Gas price | $3.29/gal | $3.64/gal | $0.35 |
| Electric bill | $103/mo | $111/mo | $8 |
| Infant childcare | $11,720/yr | $13,354/yr | $1,634 |
Salary equivalent: North Carolina → Pennsylvania
What a North Carolina salary buys you in Pennsylvania, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in North Carolina | Equivalent in Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,591 | +$409 |
| $75,000 | $74,387 | +$613 |
| $100,000 | $99,183 | +$817 |
| $150,000 | $148,774 | +$1,226 |
| $200,000 | $198,366 | +$1,634 |
Positive = your money goes further in Pennsylvania. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
North Carolina and Pennsylvania have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 97.9 and 97.1 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina or Pennsylvania?
North Carolina and Pennsylvania have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Pennsylvania cheaper than North Carolina?
North Carolina and Pennsylvania cost roughly the same to live in.
Is North Carolina more expensive than Pennsylvania?
North Carolina and Pennsylvania have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in Pennsylvania equals $100,000 in North Carolina?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in North Carolina, you would need approximately $99,183 in Pennsylvania. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (97.9 vs 97.1).
How do housing costs compare between North Carolina and Pennsylvania?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Pennsylvania. Median home prices are $325,000 in North Carolina vs $270,000 in Pennsylvania — a $55,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,316/mo vs $1,215/mo.
What costs more in North Carolina vs Pennsylvania?
Healthcare is 18% higher in North Carolina (index 110.2 vs 93.7). Utilities is 13% lower in North Carolina (index 94.7 vs 108.7). Transportation is 11% lower in North Carolina (index 92.2 vs 104).
Is gas cheaper in North Carolina or Pennsylvania?
Gas averages $3.29/gallon in North Carolina and $3.64/gallon in Pennsylvania — a $0.35 difference per gallon.
North Carolina vs Pennsylvania cost of living — how do they compare?
North Carolina has an overall cost-of-living index of 97.9 and Pennsylvania has 97.1 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Pennsylvania?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the North Carolina vs Pennsylvania paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- North Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Pennsylvania Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- North Carolina vs Pennsylvania Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in North Carolina — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Pennsylvania — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.