Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Ohio to Pennsylvania
On state income tax alone, Ohio is cheaper than Pennsylvania at most income levels — Ohio saves $1,022 at $100,000. However, Ohio residents in Columbus (2.5% city tax), Cleveland (2.5%), or Cincinnati (1.8%) pay significantly more once municipal rates are added. Pennsylvania’s 3.07% flat rate is exceptionally simple and competitive outside Philadelphia. Philadelphia residents pay an extra 3.75% city wage tax, making Philly among the most taxed cities in the US. For most non-Philadelphia Pennsylvanians, PA wins on simplicity and often total burden.
Progressive + Municipal
0% on first $26,050; up to 3.5% state; plus SDIT ~1% and city taxes up to 2.5%
Flat Rate
Flat 3.07% state income tax; Philadelphia adds 3.75% city wage tax for residents
At $100,000 income:
That is $85/month back in your pocket!
| Income | OH Tax | PA Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $662 | $1,535 | $873 | $8,730 |
| $75,000 | $1,355 | $2,303 | $948 | $9,480 |
| $100,000 | $2,048 | $3,070 | $1,022 | $10,220 |
| $150,000 | $3,761 | $4,605 | $844 | $8,440 |
| $250,000 | $7,261 | $7,675 | $414 | $4,140 |
| $500,000 | $16,011 | $15,350 | $0 (PA cheaper by $661) | $6,610 |
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Moving between Ohio and Pennsylvania? Ohio’s layered municipal taxes, SDIT, and partial-year returns are complex. TaxHub connects you with licensed CPAs who specialise in state tax moves.
Talk to a CPA About Your State Move →At the state rate only, Ohio is cheaper than Pennsylvania at incomes from $50,000 through $250,000 — saving $414–$1,022/year. However, this reverses once Ohio’s local taxes are added. A Columbus resident at $100,000 pays approximately $2,048 Ohio state + $2,500 Columbus city = $4,548 combined vs Pennsylvania’s $3,070 flat rate — Pennsylvania saves roughly $1,478. Outside major Ohio cities, Ohio’s state rate advantage holds. Pennsylvania wins on simplicity and total burden for most workers in urban areas.
Philadelphia charges a 3.75% wage tax on residents (3.44% for non-residents working in Philadelphia). This is far higher than Ohio’s city rates (Columbus 2.5%, Cleveland 2.5%, Cincinnati 1.8%). A Philadelphia resident at $100,000 pays $3,070 PA state + $3,750 Philadelphia city = $6,820 combined — substantially more than any Ohio city. Pittsburgh and other PA cities outside Philadelphia charge no separate city income tax, making non-Philadelphia Pennsylvania significantly more competitive than the Philadelphia comparison suggests.
Pennsylvania is excellent for retirement: the state fully exempts Social Security, pension income, 401(k) distributions, and IRA withdrawals from state income tax. Ohio also exempts Social Security but does tax other retirement income above certain thresholds. Pennsylvania’s inheritance tax (4.5% for children) is a negative for estate planning. Ohio has no inheritance tax. Net: Pennsylvania’s retirement income exemptions and lower income tax burden for retirees typically make it more favorable — especially outside Philadelphia.
Ohio allows individual school districts to levy their own income tax, known as the School District Income Tax (SDIT). Rates vary by district but average approximately 1% statewide — ranging from 0.25% to 2%. This tax is paid in addition to Ohio state income tax and municipal income tax. Not all districts levy SDIT, but many suburban and urban districts do. A Columbus-area resident may pay Ohio state (up to 3.5%) + Columbus city (2.5%) + local school district SDIT (~1%) = combined rates approaching 7% — well above Pennsylvania’s flat 3.07%.