Pennsylvania vs Texas Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $2,303/yr more in Texas

$192/mo · $89/paycheck more

Pennsylvania
Texas

$59,290/yr in Pennsylvania vs $61,593/yr in Texas.

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%

Texas

Take-home per paycheck

$2,368.94

$61,593/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$61,59382%
Tax rates
Effective: 17.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Pennsylvania is 7% higher than in Texas.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $59,290 in Pennsylvania has the purchasing power of $63,195 in Texas terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Pennsylvania comes out ahead by $1,603/yr.

Housing
Median home$270,000vs$295,000
Pennsylvania
Texas
9% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,215/movs$1,112/mo
Pennsylvania
9% more
Texas
Groceries
Index
Pennsylvania
3% more
Texas
Transportation
Regular gas$3.64/galvs$3.21/gal
Pennsylvania
13% more
Texas
Utilities
Electric bill$111/movs$87/mo
Pennsylvania
28% more
Texas
Healthcare
Index
Pennsylvania
Texas
3% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$13,354/yrvs$10,706/yr
Pennsylvania
25% more
Texas

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

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

Texas: Texas has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

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

Salary Pennsylvania take-home Texas take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,820 $42,355 -$1,535
$75,000 $59,290 $61,593 -$2,302
$100,000 $76,110 $79,180 -$3,070
$150,000 $109,186 $113,791 -$4,605
$200,000 $142,787 $148,927 -$6,140
$300,000 $205,967 $215,177 -$9,210

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Pennsylvania or Texas?

At a $100,000 salary, Texas results in $3,070 more annual take-home pay. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Texas has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $1,535/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $4,605/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $9,210/yr.

Do Pennsylvania and Texas 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 Pennsylvania or Texas?

Texas is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Pennsylvania is 1% higher than in Texas. Pennsylvania's Regional Price Parity is 98 and Texas's is 97.5 (US average = 100).

Is Texas cheaper than Pennsylvania?

Yes. Texas has a lower cost of living than Pennsylvania (index 97.5 vs 98). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Pennsylvania more expensive than Texas?

Yes. Pennsylvania has a higher cost of living (index 98) compared to Texas (index 97.5). 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 $76,110 in Pennsylvania has the purchasing power of $76,500 in Texas terms. Conversely, $79,180 in Texas equals $78,776 in Pennsylvania terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Texas comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 1% different between Pennsylvania and Texas. Living costs are about 2% below the national average Living costs are about 3% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Texas gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Related tools

Pennsylvania Paycheck Estimator · Texas Paycheck Estimator · All states