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 more gross discretionary income after rent.
Last updated: October 14, 2026
Our Recommendation
Pennsylvania
Offers approximately $235/week more in gross discretionary income (before state tax)
Higher Pay
OH
Better Taxes
Tie
Lower COL
OH
Higher Stipends
PA
Best Discretionary Income
PA
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ohio | Pennsylvania | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $52/hr | $48/hr | OH |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $3,872 | $4,153 | PA |
| State Income Tax | Applies | Applies | Tie |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.7 | 100.3 | OH |
| Average 1BR Rent | $900/mo | $1,100/mo | OH |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $1,190 | $1,589 | PA |
| Compact License State | Yes | No | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income (gross, pre-tax) | $3,664 | $3,899 | PA |
Ohio Overview
Pay: Ohio offers $52/hr average with $3,872/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: State income tax applies, 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 $4,153/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: State income tax applies, 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 offers more gross discretionary income once rent is factored in — run both through the tax calculator for your actual after-tax comparison.
Is Ohio or Pennsylvania better for travel nurse taxes?
Both states levy a state income tax, so neither has a clear edge here — we don't publish specific rates, since a wrong number is worse than none. Check each state's official tax tables, or use the calculator with your own known rates to compare.
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 $2,233/week compared to $1,792/week in Ohio.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Ohio or Pennsylvania?
Based on our analysis, Pennsylvania offers approximately $235 more in weekly gross discretionary income after housing (before state tax). However, consider factors like licensing (Ohio is compact, Pennsylvania requires separate license), job availability, and personal preferences.