Connecticut vs Pennsylvania Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
$

You take home $1,073/yr more in Pennsylvania

$89/mo · $41/paycheck more

Connecticut
Pennsylvania

$58,218/yr in Connecticut vs $59,290/yr in Pennsylvania.

Connecticut

Take-home per paycheck

$2,239.13

$58,218/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,3755%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,21878%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.4%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.5%

Pennsylvania

Take-home per paycheck

$2,280.38

$59,290/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,3033%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$59,29079%
Tax rates
Effective: 20.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 3.1%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Connecticut is 17% higher than in Pennsylvania.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,218 in Connecticut has the purchasing power of $68,350 in Pennsylvania terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Connecticut comes out ahead by $9,060/yr.

Housing
Median home$405,000vs$270,000
Connecticut
50% more
Pennsylvania
Avg 2BR rent$1,712/movs$1,215/mo
Connecticut
41% more
Pennsylvania
Groceries
Index
Connecticut
5% more
Pennsylvania
Transportation
Regular gas$3.45/galvs$3.64/gal
Connecticut
Pennsylvania
6% more
Utilities
Electric bill$216/movs$111/mo
Connecticut
95% more
Pennsylvania
Healthcare
Index
Connecticut
19% more
Pennsylvania
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$20,254/yrvs$13,354/yr
Connecticut
52% more
Pennsylvania

Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.

Tax system comparison

Connecticut: Connecticut uses a progressive income tax with 7 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 6.99%.

Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)

Salary Connecticut take-home Pennsylvania take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,355 $40,820 -$465
$75,000 $58,218 $59,290 -$1,072
$100,000 $74,430 $76,110 -$1,680
$150,000 $106,041 $109,186 -$3,145
$200,000 $138,177 $142,787 -$4,610
$300,000 $197,727 $205,967 -$8,240

Positive values mean higher take-home in Connecticut. Assumes single filer, no deductions.

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Connecticut or Pennsylvania?

At a $100,000 salary, Pennsylvania results in $1,680 more annual take-home pay. Connecticut uses a progressive income tax with 7 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 6.99%. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

How much more do you take home in Pennsylvania vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $465/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $3,145/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $8,240/yr.

Do Connecticut and Pennsylvania have the same federal taxes?

Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.

Is it cheaper to live in Connecticut or Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Connecticut is 12% higher than in Pennsylvania. Connecticut's Regional Price Parity is 109.4 and Pennsylvania's is 98 (US average = 100).

Is Pennsylvania cheaper than Connecticut?

Yes. Pennsylvania has a lower cost of living than Connecticut (index 98 vs 109.4). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Connecticut more expensive than Pennsylvania?

Yes. Connecticut has a higher cost of living (index 109.4) compared to Pennsylvania (index 98). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.

After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?

At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $74,430 in Connecticut has the purchasing power of $83,088 in Pennsylvania terms. Conversely, $76,110 in Pennsylvania equals $68,179 in Connecticut terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Connecticut comes out ahead.

Connecticut vs Pennsylvania cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 11% different between Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Living costs are 9% above the national average Living costs are about 2% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Connecticut gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Connecticut and Pennsylvania?

Connecticut requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Pennsylvania requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.

Related tools

Connecticut Paycheck Estimator · Pennsylvania Paycheck Estimator · All states