Pennsylvania vs Washington Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$77,240
in Pennsylvania
$66,430
in Washington
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 | Pennsylvania | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 86.8 | 118.3 | -27% |
| Groceries | 98.5 | 108.0 | -9% |
| Utilities | 108.7 | 98.8 | +10% |
| Transportation | 104.0 | 124.0 | -16% |
| Healthcare | 93.7 | 110.2 | -15% |
| Dining & Misc | 101.2 | 111.2 | -9% |
| Overall | 97.1 | 112.9 | -14% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Pennsylvania.
What things actually cost
| Item | Pennsylvania | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $270,000 | $580,000 | $310,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,215/mo | $1,656/mo | $441 |
| Gas price | $3.64/gal | $4.69/gal | $1.05 |
| Electric bill | $111/mo | $90/mo | +$21 |
| Infant childcare | $13,354/yr | $20,677/yr | $7,323 |
Salary equivalent: Pennsylvania → Washington
What a Pennsylvania salary buys you in Washington, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Pennsylvania | Equivalent in Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $58,136 | $-8,136 |
| $75,000 | $87,204 | $-12,204 |
| $100,000 | $116,272 | $-16,272 |
| $150,000 | $174,408 | $-24,408 |
| $200,000 | $232,544 | $-32,544 |
Positive = your money goes further in Washington. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Washington is 14% more expensive than Pennsylvania overall. Washington has an index of 112.9 vs 97.1 for Pennsylvania (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania or Washington?
Pennsylvania is cheaper to live in. Washington is 14% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $270,000 in Pennsylvania vs $580,000 in Washington.
Is Pennsylvania cheaper than Washington?
Yes, Pennsylvania is 14% cheaper than Washington overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Washington more expensive than Pennsylvania?
Yes, Washington is 14% more expensive than Pennsylvania based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Washington equals $100,000 in Pennsylvania?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Pennsylvania, you would need approximately $116,272 in Washington. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (97.1 vs 112.9).
How do housing costs compare between Pennsylvania and Washington?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Pennsylvania. Median home prices are $270,000 in Pennsylvania vs $580,000 in Washington — a $310,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,215/mo vs $1,656/mo.
What costs more in Pennsylvania vs Washington?
Housing is 27% lower in Pennsylvania (index 86.8 vs 118.3). Transportation is 16% lower in Pennsylvania (index 104 vs 124). Healthcare is 15% lower in Pennsylvania (index 93.7 vs 110.2).
Is gas cheaper in Pennsylvania or Washington?
Gas averages $3.64/gallon in Pennsylvania and $4.69/gallon in Washington — a $1.05 difference per gallon.
Pennsylvania vs Washington cost of living — how do they compare?
Pennsylvania has an overall cost-of-living index of 97.1 and Washington has 112.9 (national average = 100). Washington is 14% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Washington?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Pennsylvania vs Washington 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
- Pennsylvania Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Washington Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Pennsylvania vs Washington Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Pennsylvania — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Washington — 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.