Living in Pennsylvania: the ultimate expat guide

Pennsylvania offers a robust job market with opportunities across multiple sectors. The state's economy has successfully transitioned from its industrial past to a diverse, knowledge-based economy. With an unemployment rate of approximately 4.1% as of late 2025, Pennsylvania maintains a healthy labor market that consistently performs near or below the national average.

Key Employment Sectors

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has identified five priority industries driving growth: Healthcare and Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Technology and Robotics, Energy, and Agriculture. Healthcare remains the largest private employer, with systems like UPMC in Pittsburgh and Jefferson Health in Philadelphia employing tens of thousands of workers. The pharmaceutical sector is particularly strong, with companies such as Merck, GlaxoSmithKline, and AmerisourceBergen headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Work Permits and Visa Requirements

International workers seeking employment in Pennsylvania must obtain appropriate work authorization. The H-1B visa is the most common pathway for specialty occupation workers, with an annual cap of 65,000 visas plus an additional 20,000 for holders of U.S. master's degrees or higher. As of September 2025, new H-1B applications require an additional $100,000 registration fee for certain beneficiaries. Other options include the L-1 intracompany transfer visa, O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, and E-2 treaty investor visa. Employers must sponsor foreign workers and file petitions with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The table below summarizes key employment indicators for Pennsylvania:

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Pennsylvania DCED

Pennsylvania boasts one of the most impressive higher education landscapes in the United States, with over 200 colleges and universities serving students from around the globe. The state is home to several Ivy League and top-tier research institutions, making it a premier destination for international students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

Major Universities and Programs

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) in Philadelphia is a prestigious Ivy League institution renowned for the Wharton School of Business, its medical school, and law school. For the 2025-2026 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees total approximately $71,236, though the university offers generous need-based financial aid. Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh is globally recognized for computer science, engineering, and robotics programs. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), the state's largest public university with its main campus in State College, offers over 275 degree programs with international student tuition of approximately $45,000-$47,000 per year.

Admission Process for International Students

International students must submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT for undergraduates, GRE or GMAT for graduate programs), English proficiency tests (TOEFL or IELTS), academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and financial documentation proving ability to cover tuition and living expenses. Upon acceptance, students receive an I-20 form to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Application deadlines typically fall in January for fall enrollment, though early decision options are available at many institutions.

The University of Pittsburgh also offers excellent programs across medicine, engineering, and the humanities, with international undergraduate fees around $36,000 per year. Other notable institutions include Drexel University, Temple University, and Lehigh University.

Sources: University of Pennsylvania, Penn State Admissions

Pennsylvania is increasingly recognized as a tax-friendly state for retirees, offering significant advantages that can stretch retirement savings further. Combined with affordable housing options outside major cities, quality healthcare facilities, and diverse recreational opportunities, the Keystone State presents a compelling case for those planning their retirement.

Retirement Tax Advantages

Pennsylvania offers exceptional tax benefits for retirees. Social Security income is fully exempt from state taxation. Additionally, income from 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs, and pensions is also exempt for residents aged 60 and older. This means a retiree drawing income exclusively from these sources pays zero Pennsylvania state income tax. The flat state income tax rate of 3.07% applies only to taxable wages and investment income. However, retirees should note that Pennsylvania does levy an inheritance tax (4.5% to 15% depending on relationship to the deceased) and property taxes vary significantly by county.

Property Tax Relief Programs

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000 annually for residents aged 65 and older with income below $46,520 (as of 2025). Residents of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scranton may qualify for additional supplemental rebates up to $500. Seniors should apply annually through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

Healthcare and Lifestyle

Pennsylvania's major hospital systems—including Penn Medicine and Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, UPMC in Pittsburgh, and Geisinger in central Pennsylvania—provide world-class medical care. Many retirees choose smaller cities like Lancaster (near Amish Country), State College (university town atmosphere), or Erie (lakefront living) for a lower cost of living while maintaining access to quality amenities.

Sources: AARP Pennsylvania, SmartAsset

Families relocating to Pennsylvania will find a range of educational options for their children, from highly-rated public school districts to private and international schools. The state's public education system is funded through a combination of state and local property taxes, resulting in significant variation in quality between districts. Many expat families opt for private or international schools to ensure curriculum continuity and language support.

International and Private School Options

Unlike some international destinations, Pennsylvania does not have traditional British or American international schools following foreign curricula. Instead, families typically choose from International Baccalaureate (IB) programs offered at select public and private schools, or prestigious independent schools. The French International School of Philadelphia (École Française Internationale de Philadelphie) in Bala Cynwyd offers bilingual French-English instruction from preschool through middle school. Pennsylvania International Academy in Erie serves international students seeking American education.

For IB programs, Harrisburg Academy and Mercyhurst Preparatory School are among the private schools offering the IB Diploma Programme. Public schools in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia also offer IB programs at select magnet schools. Private school tuition in Pennsylvania typically ranges from $15,000 to $45,000 per year depending on grade level and institution.

Public School Enrollment

Expat children are entitled to enroll in public schools based on their residential address. Top-rated public school districts include Radnor Township, Tredyffrin-Easttown, and Lower Merion in the Philadelphia suburbs, and Upper St. Clair and Mt. Lebanon near Pittsburgh. Enrollment requires proof of residency, immunization records, and previous school transcripts. ESL (English as a Second Language) programs are available for students requiring language support.

Sources: Niche School Rankings, Private School Review

Pennsylvania's housing market offers significant variety, from urban apartments in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to suburban single-family homes and rural properties. Compared to neighboring states like New York and New Jersey, Pennsylvania provides more affordable housing options while maintaining access to major employment centers and cultural amenities.

Rental Market Overview

As of 2025, the average rent in Pennsylvania is approximately $1,530 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, below the national average. However, rental prices vary significantly by location. In Philadelphia, expect to pay around $1,545 for a one-bedroom and $1,745 for a two-bedroom apartment. Pittsburgh remains more affordable, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,077 and two-bedrooms around $1,169. Premium neighborhoods in Center City Philadelphia or Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville can command rents of $2,000-$4,000 or more.

Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods

In Philadelphia, popular areas for expats include Center City (walkable urban living), Rittenhouse Square (upscale dining and shopping), University City (near UPenn and Drexel), and Manayunk (young professionals). The Main Line suburbs (Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Wayne) offer excellent schools and family-friendly environments. In Pittsburgh, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, and East Liberty are popular with professionals and families, offering walkable streets, diverse dining, and access to universities. The South Side and Lawrenceville attract younger residents seeking nightlife and arts.

Renting Procedures

Rental applications typically require proof of income (pay stubs or employment letter), credit check authorization, references, and a security deposit equal to one or two months' rent. Leases are commonly 12 months. New arrivals without U.S. credit history may need to provide additional documentation or a larger deposit. Real estate platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Craigslist list available rentals.

Sources: Apartments.com, Rent.com

Pennsylvania offers an exceptional range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options, from world-class museums and historic sites to professional sports, outdoor adventures, and a thriving food and drink scene. Whether you prefer urban sophistication or natural beauty, the Keystone State delivers year-round activities for all ages.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Philadelphia's Museum Mile along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway features the Philadelphia Museum of Art (famous for its "Rocky Steps"), the Barnes Foundation (Impressionist masterpieces), and the Franklin Institute (science museum). Independence National Historical Park preserves the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. In Pittsburgh, the Andy Warhol Museum celebrates the pop art icon, while the Carnegie Museums encompass art, natural history, and science. Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural masterpiece, sits an hour southeast of Pittsburgh and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Outdoor Recreation and Parks

Pennsylvania's 120+ state parks offer free admission for hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming. The Poconos Mountains provide skiing in winter and water parks in summer. Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie features beaches and nature trails. The Appalachian Trail crosses 230 miles of Pennsylvania terrain. Urban green spaces include Philadelphia's Fairmount Park (one of America's largest urban parks) and Pittsburgh's Schenley Park, home to the stunning Phipps Conservatory.

Sports, Dining, and Nightlife

Sports fans can cheer for the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), and Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL). The food scene ranges from Philadelphia's famous cheesesteaks and Reading Terminal Market to Pittsburgh's Primanti Brothers sandwiches and farm-to-table dining. Hershey, the chocolate capital, offers factory tours and the family-friendly Hersheypark amusement park. Nightlife thrives in Philadelphia's Old City and Northern Liberties neighborhoods and Pittsburgh's South Side and Strip District.

Sources: Visit Philadelphia, Visit Pennsylvania

Daily life in Pennsylvania varies considerably between urban centers and suburban or rural areas. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer walkable neighborhoods and public transportation, while much of the state requires automobile ownership. The state experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters, warm summers, and spectacular fall foliage that draws visitors from around the world.

Getting Around

SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) operates Philadelphia's public transit network, including buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail lines connecting to the suburbs. A monthly transit pass costs approximately $96. In Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) provides bus service and a light rail system (the "T"), with monthly passes ranging from $97 to $146 depending on zones. Both cities offer bike-share programs: Indego in Philadelphia and Healthy Ride in Pittsburgh. Outside major cities, a car is essential for daily life.

Climate and Lifestyle

Pennsylvania's climate features cold winters with average temperatures around 30°F (-1°C) in January and warm, humid summers reaching 85°F (29°C) in July. Snowfall is common, particularly in the northern and western regions. Residents embrace seasonal activities: skiing in the Poconos during winter, hiking and camping in spring and summer, and leaf-peeping drives through the Laurel Highlands in autumn.

Practical Considerations

Pennsylvania uses Eastern Time (ET). The state sales tax is 6%, with Philadelphia adding an additional 2% (8% total). Tipping is customary: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 15-20% for taxi drivers. Grocery shopping options range from national chains (Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Giant) to local favorites like Wegmans and Philadelphia's historic Reading Terminal Market. Healthcare is accessible through major hospital systems, though having health insurance is essential given American medical costs.

Sources: SEPTA, Visit Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's cost of living sits near the national average, offering better value than neighboring New York or New Jersey while providing access to major metropolitan amenities. Costs vary significantly between Philadelphia (the most expensive area), Pittsburgh (more affordable), and smaller cities and rural regions (least expensive).

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

The table below provides estimated monthly expenses for a single person living in Pennsylvania:

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo, Apartments.com, MIT Living Wage Calculator