Mississippi vs Pennsylvania Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $698/yr more in Pennsylvania

$58/mo · $27/paycheck more

Mississippi
Pennsylvania

$58,593/yr in Mississippi vs $59,290/yr in Pennsylvania.

Mississippi

Take-home per paycheck

$2,253.56

$58,593/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,0004%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,59378%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.0%

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 Mississippi is 11% lower than in Pennsylvania.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,593 in Mississippi has the purchasing power of $51,894 in Pennsylvania terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Pennsylvania comes out ahead by $7,396/yr.

Housing
Median home$175,000vs$270,000
Mississippi
Pennsylvania
54% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,002/movs$1,215/mo
Mississippi
Pennsylvania
21% more
Groceries
Index
Mississippi
Pennsylvania
3% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.05/galvs$3.64/gal
Mississippi
Pennsylvania
19% more
Utilities
Electric bill$97/movs$111/mo
Mississippi
Pennsylvania
14% more
Healthcare
Index
Mississippi
1% more
Pennsylvania
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$6,868/yrvs$13,354/yr
Mississippi
Pennsylvania
94% more

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

Mississippi: Mississippi has a flat state income tax of 4.00%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

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 Mississippi take-home Pennsylvania take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,355 $40,820 -$465
$75,000 $58,593 $59,290 -$697
$100,000 $75,180 $76,110 -$930
$150,000 $107,791 $109,186 -$1,395
$200,000 $140,927 $142,787 -$1,860
$300,000 $203,177 $205,967 -$2,790

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Mississippi or Pennsylvania?

At a $100,000 salary, Pennsylvania results in $930 more annual take-home pay. Mississippi has a flat state income tax of 4.00%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. 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 $1,395/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $2,790/yr.

Do Mississippi 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 Mississippi or Pennsylvania?

Mississippi is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Mississippi is 12% lower than in Pennsylvania. Mississippi's Regional Price Parity is 86.1 and Pennsylvania's is 98 (US average = 100).

Is Mississippi cheaper than Pennsylvania?

Yes. Mississippi has a lower cost of living than Pennsylvania (index 86.1 vs 98). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Pennsylvania more expensive than Mississippi?

Yes. Pennsylvania has a higher cost of living (index 98) compared to Mississippi (index 86.1). 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 $75,180 in Mississippi has the purchasing power of $66,051 in Pennsylvania terms. Conversely, $76,110 in Pennsylvania equals $86,629 in Mississippi terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Pennsylvania comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 12% different between Mississippi and Pennsylvania. Living costs are 14% below the national average, the lowest in the US Living costs are about 2% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Pennsylvania gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Mississippi 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

Mississippi Paycheck Estimator · Pennsylvania Paycheck Estimator · All states