Pennsylvania vs Ohio Taxes
Compare the total tax burden between Pennsylvania (3.07% flat) and Ohio (0% – 2.75%). Enter your income to see which state saves you more.
| Tax Component | Pennsylvania | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Federal tax | $13,170 | $13,170 |
| State tax | $3,070 | $2,313 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 |
| Total tax | $23,890 | $23,133 |
| Take-home | $76,110 | $76,867 |
| Effective rate | 23.89% | 23.13% |
| Annual Difference | $757 more | $757 less |
The $757 difference is primarily because Pennsylvania has a flat 3.1% income tax, while Ohio has a progressive income tax with rates up to 3.1%. At your income level, Pennsylvania's marginal rate is 3.1% vs Ohio's 2.8%.
Why the difference
You'd save $757/year ($63/month) in Ohio vs Pennsylvania.
Tax structure
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.1% state income tax, while Ohio uses progressive brackets up to 3.1%.
Effective rate at your income
At $100,000, Ohio's effective state rate is 2.3% vs 3.1% in Pennsylvania — a 0.8 percentage point gap.
Pennsylvania local taxes
Many Pennsylvania municipalities levy an earned income tax (typically 1-3%); Philadelphia wage tax is 3.75% for residents.
Ohio local taxes
Most Ohio cities levy a municipal income tax (typically 1%-3%) on top of state tax.
Tip: PA's low flat rate benefits high earners, but the Philadelphia wage tax adds significantly for city workers. If you live outside Philadelphia but work in the city, you still owe the city's non-resident wage tax. PA's exemption of retirement income makes it attractive for retirees.
Tip: Ohio's exemption of the first $26,050 of income means very low effective state rates for modest earners. However, municipal income taxes (Cleveland and Columbus, for example) can add significantly — these are separate from state tax.
Pennsylvania Total Tax
23.89% effective rate
Ohio Total Tax
23.13% effective rate
Annual savings
by living in Ohio
Tax at Different Income Levels
| Income | Pennsylvania Total Tax | Ohio Total Tax | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $15,710 | $15,027 | Save $684 |
| $100,000 | $23,890 | $23,133 | Save $757 |
| $150,000 | $40,814 | $39,897 | Save $917 |
| $200,000 | $57,213 | $56,136 | Save $1,077 |
Based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 tax year. Includes federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA.
Why the difference
You'd save $757/year ($63/month) in Ohio vs Pennsylvania.
Tax structure
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.1% state income tax, while Ohio uses progressive brackets up to 3.1%.
Effective rate at your income
At $100,000, Ohio's effective state rate is 2.3% vs 3.1% in Pennsylvania — a 0.8 percentage point gap.
Pennsylvania local taxes
Many Pennsylvania municipalities levy an earned income tax (typically 1-3%); Philadelphia wage tax is 3.75% for residents.
Ohio local taxes
Most Ohio cities levy a municipal income tax (typically 1%-3%) on top of state tax.
Tip: PA's low flat rate benefits high earners, but the Philadelphia wage tax adds significantly for city workers. If you live outside Philadelphia but work in the city, you still owe the city's non-resident wage tax. PA's exemption of retirement income makes it attractive for retirees.
Tip: Ohio's exemption of the first $26,050 of income means very low effective state rates for modest earners. However, municipal income taxes (Cleveland and Columbus, for example) can add significantly — these are separate from state tax.
Understanding Each State
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a flat income tax rate of 3.07% — one of the lowest flat rates in the US. Many municipalities levy an additional earned income tax, and Philadelphia residents pay a city wage tax on top of the state rate. PA does not tax retirement income (401k, IRA, Social Security).
Tip: PA's low flat rate benefits high earners, but the Philadelphia wage tax adds significantly for city workers. If you live outside Philadelphia but work in the city, you still owe the city's non-resident wage tax. PA's exemption of retirement income makes it attractive for retirees.
Ohio
Ohio has been flattening its income tax over several years: income under $26,050 is exempt, and income above it is taxed at up to 2.75% for 2026. Some Ohio cities levy their own municipal income tax on top of this (typically 1%-3%).
Tip: Ohio's exemption of the first $26,050 of income means very low effective state rates for modest earners. However, municipal income taxes (Cleveland and Columbus, for example) can add significantly — these are separate from state tax.
Key Comparison Points
Income tax structure: Pennsylvania has a flat income tax (3.07% flat), while Ohio has a progressive income tax (0% – 2.75%).
Beyond income tax: State tax comparisons should also consider property tax rates, sales tax, and cost of living. A state with no income tax may have higher property or sales taxes that offset the savings.
SALT deduction cap: Under OBBBA, the 2026 federal SALT cap is $40,400, phasing out above $505,000 MAGI toward a $10,000 floor. This limits the federal tax benefit of living in a high-tax state, so the gross state tax difference remains close to the net difference for most earners — especially high earners inside the phaseout.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania or Ohio?
Based on income tax alone, Ohio has a lower tax burden. At $100K income, you'd save $757 annually in Ohio compared to Pennsylvania. However, total cost of living also depends on property taxes, sales taxes, and housing costs.
How much would I save moving from Pennsylvania to Ohio?
A single filer earning $100,000 would save approximately $757 per year in total taxes by living in Ohio instead of Pennsylvania. At $150,000 income, the savings change to $917 per year.
What is the income tax rate in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a flat income tax with rates of 3.07% flat.
What is the income tax rate in Ohio?
Ohio has a progressive income tax with rates of 0% – 2.75%.