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United States research

Retire in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is assessed here using official population, economic, cost, crime, temperature, and foreign-born population indicators. Conditions vary by county and city.

Pennsylvania retirement destination
#14 OverallState ranking
12.5Cost index

At a glance

The state-level numbers worth checking before you compare cities.

Cost of living12.5/100Relative score; lower is cheaper
Safety70.2/100Safety index
HealthcareNot listedNo comparable statewide index retained
Average temperature9.8°CNOAA 1991–2020 baseline

Why Pennsylvania

A state is more than its tax rate. Start with the everyday tradeoffs.

Compare housing, healthcare access, safety, taxes, climate, and local services at city and county level before choosing a location.

What stands out

  • Relative cost index: 12.5/100 (lower is cheaper)
  • Safety index: 70.2/100
  • NOAA temperature baseline: 9.8°C
  • Foreign-born population share: 8.34% (ACS 2024 5-year)

Costs, taxes, and benefits

The state-level planning details most likely to affect your retirement budget.

Housing

One bedroom, city center
Not listed
One bedroom, suburbs
Not listed
Median home price
$277,600
Median rent
$1,252

Taxes

State income tax
Top marginal individual rate: 3.07% (2026)
Retirement income
Not listed
Property tax
Not listed
Sales tax
Not listed

Healthcare and residency

Medicare acceptance
Not listed
Average healthcare cost
Not listed
Minimum stay
Not listed
Pension taxation
Not listed

Safety, climate, and lifestyle

The quality-of-life details that vary most from one state to another.

Safety

Safety index
70.2/100
Violent crime
2.78 per 1,000
Property crime
16.13 per 1,000

Climate risks

Sunshine
Not listed
Hurricanes
Not listed
Wildfires
Not listed
Flooding
Not listed

State profile

Capital
Harrisburg
Region
Northeast
Population
13,059,432
State parks
Not listed

Cities to consider in Pennsylvania

Compare the local costs and character before choosing a region.