New Jersey vs. Pennsylvania
On a $75,000 salary, you keep about $886 more a year in Pennsylvania. Prices are 12% higher in New Jersey, so after adjusting for cost of living Pennsylvania comes out ahead.
Last verified November 2, 2026.
| New Jersey | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Has a graduated income tax with 7 brackets, from 1.4% up to 10.75% on taxable income over $1,000,000 for single filers. | Has a flat income tax of 3.07% on taxable income. |
| Minimum wage | $15.92 | $7.25 |
| Price level (U.S. = 100) | 108.8 | 97.6 |
| Employer cost on a $50,000 hire | $6,451 | $4,819 |
| SUTA wage base | $44,800 | $10,000 |
Take-home pay at the same salary
| Salary | New Jersey take-home | Pennsylvania take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,549 | $40,750 | $201 more in Pennsylvania |
| $75,000 | $58,299 | $59,185 | $886 more in Pennsylvania |
| $100,000 | $74,197 | $75,970 | $1,773 more in Pennsylvania |
| $150,000 | $105,413 | $108,976 | $3,563 more in Pennsylvania |
Single filer, standard deduction, tax year 2026. Excludes local income taxes.
Adjusted for cost of living
Using BEA regional price parities, $58,299 in New Jersey buys what $53,581 buys in an average-priced state, and $59,185 in Pennsylvania buys what $60,658 does. To keep the same buying power moving from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, a $75,000 salary would need to be about $67,257 before the tax difference.
Try your own salary
Frequently asked questions
- Is New Jersey or Pennsylvania better for take-home pay?
- On $75,000, you keep about $886 more a year in Pennsylvania. Adjusted for prices, Pennsylvania comes out ahead by $7,077.
- Which state is cheaper for employers, New Jersey or Pennsylvania?
- Employer taxes and insurance on a $50,000 hire are about $6,451 in New Jersey and $4,819 in Pennsylvania.