Compare cities in Pennsylvania
Compare 9 metro profiles in Pennsylvania, with housing cost, climate, work, safety, daily-life, and source-labeled data.
Pennsylvania metros to compare
- #1
Philadelphia, PA
Cost/climate 66, Work 79, Daily life 50, Community 71. ACS rent $1,347/mo; safety 66/100.
- #2
Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/climate 80, Work 81, Daily life 55, Community 50. ACS rent $968/mo; safety 61/100.
- #3
Erie, PA
Cost/climate 86, Work 78, Daily life 49, Community 44. ACS rent $851/mo; safety 63/100.
- #4
Scranton, PA
Cost/climate 85, Work 75, Daily life 49, Community 45. ACS rent $909/mo; safety 61/100.
- #5
Harrisburg, PA
Cost/climate 77, Work 75, Daily life 42, Community 55. ACS rent $1,098/mo; safety 61/100.
- #6
Reading, PA
Cost/climate 77, Work 73, Daily life 34, Community 53. ACS rent $1,078/mo; safety 63/100.
- #7
Lancaster, PA
Cost/climate 78, Work 74, Daily life 30, Community 47. ACS rent $1,221/mo; safety 63/100.
- #8
York, PA
Cost/climate 79, Work 71, Daily life 36, Community 43. ACS rent $1,094/mo; safety 63/100.
- #9
Allentown, PA
Cost/climate 68, Work 71, Daily life 34, Community 53. ACS rent $1,246/mo; safety 61/100.
In-state comparisons
Retiring in Pennsylvania: state tax treatment
| Social Security | Not taxed | Social Security benefits are exempt from Pennsylvania income tax. |
|---|---|---|
| Pension / 401(k) / IRA | Broadly exempt | Pension, 401(k), and IRA distributions are exempt when taken after retirement or age 59 1/2; early distributions can be taxable. |
| Senior property-tax relief | Available | Property Tax/Rent Rebate up to $1,000 (income limits expanded in 2024) for residents 65+. |
| Estate tax | No | |
| Inheritance tax | Yes |
Research, not tax advice. This is an unverified snapshot retrieved 2026-07-13 from public sources — thresholds, phase-outs, and rules change every year. Verify with the Pennsylvania revenue department and a tax professional before acting on it.
Use the Retirement Edition quiz to reweight Pennsylvania metros around healthcare access, retirement taxes, cost, and climate comfort.
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