Pennsylvania Income Tax at a Glance
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state income tax — one of the simpler state tax systems. Philadelphia adds 3.75% local wage tax (non-residents: 3.44%). Pittsburgh adds 1% local tax. Sales tax is 6% statewide, with 1-2% local add-ons in Philadelphia and Allegheny County.
How Pennsylvania's Tax Compares
Pennsylvania has a cost of living index of 95 (where 100 is the national average), putting it 5% below average. This means a $75,000 salary in Pennsylvania has the purchasing power of about $78,947 in an average-cost state.
Take-Home Pay by Salary in Pennsylvania
Here is the approximate Pennsylvania state tax on common salary levels for a single filer taking the standard deduction:
| Annual Salary | State Effective Rate | Est. State Tax |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | 3.07% | $1,535 |
| $75,000 | 3.07% | $2,303 |
| $100,000 | 3.07% | $3,070 |
| $150,000 | 3.07% | $4,605 |
| $250,000 | 3.07% | $7,675 |
These are state-only estimates. Your paycheck also loses federal tax (10-37% progressive) and FICA (7.65%). Use our tax calculator pre-filled for Pennsylvania to see the full picture.
Largest Cities in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's population centers, each with their own local tax quirks, property tax rates, and cost of living:
Common Pennsylvania Deductions & Credits
- Standard deduction — varies by state; most states mirror or reduce the federal amount
- Retirement account contributions — 401(k), IRA, HSA typically deductible (check state conformity)
- Charitable giving — if you itemize on state return
- Mortgage interest — if itemizing
- State-specific credits — earned income tax credits, child tax credits, property tax credits
Is Pennsylvania a Tax-Friendly State?
It depends on income. Lower earners pay relatively little. Higher earners in Pennsylvania face one of the heavier combined federal + state burdens. See how you compare with our tax calculator.
Pennsylvania vs No-Tax States
If you earn $100,000 in Pennsylvania, your state tax is roughly $3,070. In Texas, Florida, or Washington, you would pay $0. Over 30 years of work, that difference compounds into a real retirement-size gap. But cost of living, property tax, and quality-of-life factors matter too — don't move just for the tax.