Ohio vs Pennsylvania: Paycheck Calculator Comparison
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 At the $75,000 level, Ohio's 3.99% versus Pennsylvania's 3.07% produces approximately $690 variance yearly. Pennsylvania draws residents through stability. value seekers populations cluster in Pennsylvania for tax reasons; traditionalists concentrate in Ohio for stability.
Looking at the numbers, Ohio's 3.99% rate versus Pennsylvania's 3.07% means about $690 difference annually on $75,000. That's the kind of gap that gets people's attention, even if other factors ultimately drive the decision.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Ohio at 3.99% vs Pennsylvania at 3.07%
- **Annual savings** (on $75,000): Pennsylvania saves you ~$690
- **Tax system**: Both use progressive brackets
- **Deductions**: Standard federal deductions apply, state variations exist
- **Local taxes**: Check your specific county/city as rates vary within states
Tax Comparison
| Tax Type | Ohio | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 0% - 3.99% | 3.07% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $798
Take Home: $39,202
+$430
|
State Tax: $1,228
Take Home: $38,772
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,197
Take Home: $58,803
+$645
|
State Tax: $1,842
Take Home: $58,158
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,995
Take Home: $98,005
+$1,075
|
State Tax: $3,070
Take Home: $96,930
|
| Cost of Living | Ohio ranks among America's more affordable states. Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati offer genuine metropolitan amenities with housing costs 40-50% below similar-sized coastal cities. Quality homes in good suburbs typically sell for $200,000-300,000. Smaller Ohio cities provide even better value. Property taxes vary by locality but generally stay moderate. Groceries, utilities, and services all cost substantially less than national averages. The affordability means moderate salaries support comfortable middle-class lifestyles. | Pennsylvania costs split dramatically. Philadelphia housing demands substantial income - median prices often exceed $300,000-400,000 in desirable areas. Pittsburgh offers better value despite renaissance. Suburbs surrounding major cities command premium pricing. Smaller cities like Allentown, Erie, and Scranton provide genuine affordability. Central Pennsylvania delivers excellent value. Property taxes run high statewide. No sales tax on clothing and groceries helps families. Overall, costs vary from expensive (Philadelphia) to affordable (central PA). |
Pros & Cons
Ohio
✓ Advantages
- Moderate state income tax tops out at 3.75%
- Affordable cost of living across the state
- Strong healthcare and manufacturing sectors
- Major metro areas offer urban amenities at reasonable costs
- Central location provides access to other regional markets
⚠ Considerations
- Some cities impose local income taxes on top of state tax
- Cold winters with heating expenses
- Some industrial areas face economic challenges
- Public transportation limited outside Cleveland
- Brain drain as young professionals leave for coastal opportunities
Pennsylvania
✓ Advantages
- Flat 3.07% state income tax is simple and predictable
- No state tax on retirement income benefits retirees
- Strong healthcare and education sectors provide stable employment
- Pittsburgh offers urban amenities at reasonable costs
- Historical cities with cultural attractions
⚠ Considerations
- Philadelphia imposes additional 3.79% city wage tax
- Property taxes can be high in some areas
- Cold winters with significant heating costs
- Some infrastructure challenges in older cities
- Sales tax at 6% plus 1-2% in some localities
Bottom Line
The numbers favor Pennsylvania by approximately $690 yearly for $75,000 earners. That said, Ohio continues attracting residents who value stability. Whether that tax difference outweighs Ohio's edge in {factor} comes down to your personal situation and priorities.📢 Share This Comparison
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