Missouri vs Pennsylvania Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $1,188/yr more in Pennsylvania

$99/mo · $46/paycheck more

Missouri
Pennsylvania

$58,102/yr in Missouri vs $59,290/yr in Pennsylvania.

Missouri

Take-home per paycheck

$2,234.71

$58,102/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,4905%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,10277%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.5%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.8%

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 Missouri is 8% lower than in Pennsylvania.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,102 in Missouri has the purchasing power of $53,196 in Pennsylvania terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Pennsylvania comes out ahead by $6,094/yr.

Housing
Median home$235,000vs$270,000
Missouri
Pennsylvania
15% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,085/movs$1,215/mo
Missouri
Pennsylvania
12% more
Groceries
Index
Missouri
Pennsylvania
3% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.03/galvs$3.64/gal
Missouri
Pennsylvania
20% more
Utilities
Electric bill$98/movs$111/mo
Missouri
Pennsylvania
13% more
Healthcare
Index
Missouri
7% more
Pennsylvania
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$13,173/yrvs$13,354/yr
Missouri
Pennsylvania
1% 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

Missouri: Missouri uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.80%.

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 Missouri take-home Pennsylvania take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,065 $40,820 -$755
$75,000 $58,102 $59,290 -$1,188
$100,000 $74,490 $76,110 -$1,620
$150,000 $106,701 $109,186 -$2,485
$200,000 $139,437 $142,787 -$3,350
$300,000 $200,887 $205,967 -$5,080

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Missouri or Pennsylvania?

At a $100,000 salary, Pennsylvania results in $1,620 more annual take-home pay. Missouri uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.80%. 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 $755/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $2,485/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $5,080/yr.

Do Missouri 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 Missouri or Pennsylvania?

Missouri is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Missouri is 8% lower than in Pennsylvania. Missouri's Regional Price Parity is 89.8 and Pennsylvania's is 98 (US average = 100).

Is Missouri cheaper than Pennsylvania?

Yes. Missouri has a lower cost of living than Pennsylvania (index 89.8 vs 98). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Pennsylvania more expensive than Missouri?

Yes. Pennsylvania has a higher cost of living (index 98) compared to Missouri (index 89.8). 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 $74,490 in Missouri has the purchasing power of $68,257 in Pennsylvania terms. Conversely, $76,110 in Pennsylvania equals $83,060 in Missouri terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Pennsylvania comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 8% different between Missouri and Pennsylvania. Living costs are 10% below the national average 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 Missouri and Pennsylvania?

Missouri 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

Missouri Paycheck Estimator · Pennsylvania Paycheck Estimator · All states