Ohio vs Pennsylvania: Travel Nurse Pay Comparison
Compare travel nurse pay, taxes, stipends, and cost of living between Ohio and Pennsylvania. Based on our analysis, Pennsylvania offers better overall take-home pay.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Our Recommendation
Pennsylvania
Offers approximately $195/week more in discretionary income
Higher Pay
OH
Better Taxes
PA
Lower COL
OH
Higher Stipends
PA
Best Net Income
PA
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ohio | Pennsylvania | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $52/hr | $48/hr | OH |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $2,971 | $3,208 | PA |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 3.07% | PA |
| Est. Weekly Net Pay | $2,447 | $2,688 | PA |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.7 | 100.3 | OH |
| Average 1BR Rent | $900/mo | $1,100/mo | OH |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $686 | $840 | PA |
| Compact License State | Yes | No | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income | $2,239 | $2,434 | PA |
Ohio Overview
Pay: Ohio offers $52/hr average with $2,971/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: 3.99% state income tax, making it tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 90.7 with average rent of $900/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $200 fee, 2-4 weeks.
Pennsylvania Overview
Pay: Pennsylvania offers $48/hr average with $3,208/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: 3.07% state income tax, making it tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 100.3 with average rent of $1,100/mo.
Licensing: Requires separate license, $200 fee, 4-6 weeks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays travel nurses more: Ohio or Pennsylvania?
Ohio offers higher gross pay at $52/hr compared to $48/hr. However, Pennsylvania provides better take-home pay after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Is Ohio or Pennsylvania better for travel nurse taxes?
Pennsylvania is more tax-friendly with a 3.07% state tax. Ohio has a 3.99% state tax.
What is the cost of living difference between Ohio and Pennsylvania?
Ohio has a COL index of 90.7 while Pennsylvania is 100.3. Average 1BR rent: Ohio $900/mo vs Pennsylvania $1100/mo. Ohio is more affordable overall.
Which state has higher GSA stipend rates?
Pennsylvania offers higher tax-free stipends at $1,288/week compared to $1,099/week in Ohio.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Ohio or Pennsylvania?
Based on our analysis, Pennsylvania offers approximately $195 more in weekly discretionary income after housing. However, consider factors like licensing (Ohio is compact, Pennsylvania requires separate license), job availability, and personal preferences.