Quick answer
If you are leaving Pennsylvania, start your research with Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kentucky, Louisiana and West Virginia. Each shows population growth and a lower median home value than Pennsylvania's $229,250 across top-scoring places in the app.
| Metric | Pennsylvania | Oklahoma | New Mexico | Kentucky | Louisiana | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value | $229,250 | $228,550 | $202,650 | $221,400 | $223,050 | $142,500 |
| Median rent | $1,207/mo | $1,242/mo | $1,039/mo | $1,049/mo | $1,094/mo | $863/mo |
| Household income | $93,234 | $82,303 | $64,675 | $67,573 | $64,056 | $44,675 |
| Population change | +0.6% | +2.0% | +0.5% | +0.6% | +0.6% | +0.3% |
| Violent crime / 100k (state) | 229 | 412 | 648 | 214 | 465 | 266 |
| Home value ÷ income | 2.5× | 2.8× | 3.1× | 3.3× | 3.5× | 3.2× |
| State wage income tax | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Oklahoma
Read: Is Oklahoma a good place to live in 2027? →
New Mexico
Read: Is New Mexico a good place to live in 2027? →
Kentucky
Read: Is Kentucky a good place to live in 2027? →
Louisiana
Read: Is Louisiana a good place to live in 2027? →
West Virginia
Read: Is West Virginia a good place to live in 2027? →
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Compare take-home pay after state income tax in both places.
- 2Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 3Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 4Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 5Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 6Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
- 7Line up a job or client base before you sign a lease.
Frequently asked questions
Leaving Pennsylvania? Where Should You Go?
If you are leaving Pennsylvania, start your research with Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kentucky, Louisiana and West Virginia. Each shows population growth and a lower median home value than Pennsylvania's $229,250 across top-scoring places in the app.
What are the best places to live in Pennsylvania?
In the Smart Movers Club app, the top-scoring Pennsylvania cities are Murrysville, Plum, King of Prussia, Bethel Park, Easton, and the top counties are Chester County, Cumberland County, Adams County, Butler County. Scores combine income, housing, growth, employment and education.
Does Pennsylvania have a state income tax?
Yes, Pennsylvania taxes wage income. Check the state revenue department for current rates and compare property and sales taxes too.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
