Ohio vs Pennsylvania Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$79,281
in Ohio
$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 | Ohio | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 87.6 | 86.8 | +1% |
| Groceries | 99.4 | 98.5 | +1% |
| Utilities | 98.3 | 108.7 | -10% |
| Transportation | 97.6 | 104.0 | -6% |
| Healthcare | 97.0 | 93.7 | +4% |
| Dining & Misc | 96.7 | 101.2 | -4% |
| Overall | 94.6 | 97.1 | -3% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Ohio.
What things actually cost
| Item | Ohio | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $220,000 | $270,000 | $50,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,226/mo | $1,215/mo | +$11 |
| Gas price | $3.44/gal | $3.64/gal | $0.20 |
| Electric bill | $100/mo | $111/mo | $11 |
| Infant childcare | $17,071/yr | $13,354/yr | +$3,717 |
Salary equivalent: Ohio → Pennsylvania
What a Ohio salary buys you in Pennsylvania, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Ohio | Equivalent in Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,321 | $-1,321 |
| $75,000 | $76,982 | $-1,982 |
| $100,000 | $102,643 | $-2,643 |
| $150,000 | $153,964 | $-3,964 |
| $200,000 | $205,285 | $-5,285 |
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
Pennsylvania is 3% more expensive than Ohio overall. Pennsylvania has an index of 97.1 vs 94.6 for Ohio (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Ohio or Pennsylvania?
Ohio is cheaper to live in. Pennsylvania is 3% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $220,000 in Ohio vs $270,000 in Pennsylvania.
Is Ohio cheaper than Pennsylvania?
Yes, Ohio is 3% cheaper than Pennsylvania overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Pennsylvania more expensive than Ohio?
Yes, Pennsylvania is 3% more expensive than Ohio based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Pennsylvania equals $100,000 in Ohio?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Ohio, you would need approximately $102,643 in Pennsylvania. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (94.6 vs 97.1).
How do housing costs compare between Ohio and Pennsylvania?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Ohio. Median home prices are $220,000 in Ohio vs $270,000 in Pennsylvania — a $50,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,226/mo vs $1,215/mo.
What costs more in Ohio vs Pennsylvania?
Utilities is 10% lower in Ohio (index 98.3 vs 108.7). Transportation is 6% lower in Ohio (index 97.6 vs 104). Dining & Misc is 4% lower in Ohio (index 96.7 vs 101.2).
Is gas cheaper in Ohio or Pennsylvania?
Gas averages $3.44/gallon in Ohio and $3.64/gallon in Pennsylvania — a $0.20 difference per gallon.
Ohio vs Pennsylvania cost of living — how do they compare?
Ohio has an overall cost-of-living index of 94.6 and Pennsylvania has 97.1 (national average = 100). Pennsylvania is 3% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Pennsylvania?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Ohio 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
- Ohio Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Pennsylvania Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Ohio vs Pennsylvania Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Ohio — 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.