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HEAD-TO-HEAD TAX COMPARISON · 2026

COUNTRY A New York VS COUNTRY B Pennsylvania

Side-by-side analysis of income tax, effective rates, and take-home pay for New York and Pennsylvania in 2026.

Daniel · CountryTaxCalc Updated May 2026 Tax Comparison 2026
Calculate your take-home → See all comparisons →
OVERVIEW
The border state escape. Pennsylvania's 3.07% flat rate is the lowest in the Northeast—dramatically cheaper than NYC's 14.7% combined (10.9% state + 3.876% city). At $100,000: NYC $9,500 vs PA $3,070—save $6,430/year. Even Philadelphia's 6.86% combined rate (3.07% state + 3.79% city) beats NYC. Penn…
Section 01

The Big Picture

Top-line rates and effective take-home for a typical earner — including income tax, social contributions, and applicable surcharges.
🗽
COUNTRY A
New York
TAX RATE
10.9%
High Tax State
Progressive + NYC tax
🔔
COUNTRY B
Pennsylvania
TAX RATE
3.07%
Low Flat Tax
Lowest flat tax in Northeast
TYPICAL ANNUAL DIFFERENCE
Moving from Pennsylvania → New York at $100,000
$6,430
That's $536/month back in your pocket
Section 02

Tax Savings by Income Level

Net take-home after all income tax, social contributions, and surcharges — for a single employee with no dependents.
GROSS INCOME
🗽 NY TAX
🔔 PA TAX
SAVINGS
10-YEAR
$50,000
$2,850 (NY state only)
$1,535
PA saves $1,315
$13,150
$75,000
$4,600 (NY state only)
$2,303
PA saves $2,297
$22,970
$100,000 (NYC)
$9,500 (state + city)
$3,070
PA saves $6,430
$64,300
$100,000 (Philadelphia)
$9,500 (NYC)
$6,860 (state + city)
PA saves $2,640
$26,400
$150,000 (NYC)
$14,300 (state + city)
$4,605
PA saves $9,695
$96,950
$200,000 (NYC)
$19,500 (state + city)
$6,140
PA saves $13,360
$133,600
💡

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🗽

New York Pros & Cons

+ PROS
  • World-class job market (finance, media, tech)
  • Public transit eliminates car costs
  • Cultural capital: Broadway, museums, dining
  • Higher salaries than PA for equivalent roles
− CONS
  • 14.7% combined tax (10.9% state + 3.876% NYC)
  • Average rent $3,500/month Manhattan
  • Brutal winters with high heating costs
  • Taxes retirement income
🔔

Pennsylvania Pros & Cons

+ PROS
  • 3.07% flat—lowest in Northeast
  • 100% retirement income exempt (Social Security, pensions, 401k)
  • Lower cost of living than NYC
  • Easy access to NYC/NJ job markets from eastern PA
− CONS
  • Philly adds 3.79% local tax (6.86% total)
  • Smaller job market than NYC
  • High property taxes in some counties
  • Car needed outside Philadelphia
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will I save moving from NYC to Pennsylvania?

At $100,000 NYC income: save $6,430/year moving to PA outside Philly (9.5% → 3.07%). Moving to Philadelphia: save $2,640/year (9.5% → 6.86%). Over 10 years outside Philly: $64,300 saved. PA also has lower housing costs—median home $275K (PA) vs $750K+ (NYC area condo).

Does Pennsylvania tax retirement income?

No—PA is one of the best states for retirees. Social Security, pensions, 401k/IRA distributions, and military retirement are 100% exempt from PA state income tax. A retiree with $80K retirement income pays $0 PA state tax vs ~$4,500 in NY state tax. This makes PA extremely attractive for NY retirees.

Can I live in PA and commute to NYC?

Possible but difficult. From eastern PA (Allentown, Bethlehem): 90-120 minute commute to Manhattan. Some people do it for the tax savings. Be careful: if you work in NYC, you may owe NYC taxes on income earned there regardless of residence. Remote work is the optimal strategy—live in PA, work for NYC employer remotely, pay only PA's 3.07%.

Is Philadelphia worth it vs suburbs?

Financially, PA suburbs beat Philly. Philadelphia's 3.79% city wage tax brings total to 6.86%—still better than NYC's 14.7%, but the suburbs at 3.07% are clearly cheaper. However, Philly offers urban amenities, no car needed, and easier NYC access via Amtrak. For lifestyle reasons, some prefer Philly despite higher taxes.

What about upstate New York vs Pennsylvania?

Upstate NY (no city tax) pays ~$6,500 at $100K income vs PA's $3,070—PA still saves $3,430/year. But upstate NY has comparable housing costs to PA and similar lifestyle. The savings are smaller than NYC→PA moves. Choose PA for lowest taxes; choose upstate NY if you have specific job or family ties.
From the brief
PT38.4%−9.6 vs. headline
CY17.8%incl. 60-day rule
AE 0.0%substance required
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