Florida vs Pennsylvania
Property Tax Comparison: Florida vs. Pennsylvania
Short introduction
Both Florida and Pennsylvania levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, police, and road maintenance. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Florida’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Pennsylvania’s, resulting in smaller annual tax bills for comparable home values. The following sections present the key metrics side‑by‑side, identify which state has the lower rate, and outline the homeowner groups that may be most affected by the differences.
Side‑by‑side comparison (2023 ACS)
| Metric | Florida | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.79 % | 1.35 % |
| Median home value | $325,000 | $240,500 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,555 | $3,241 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,966 | $3,369 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $3,931 | $6,738 |
| Median household income | $71,711 | $76,081 |
Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which state “wins” on property taxes?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Florida
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.56 percentage points, which is a 41.5 % lower effective rate than Pennsylvania (0.56 / 1.35 ≈ 0.415).
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home: $3,369 – $1,966 = $1,403.
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home: $6,738 – $3,931 = $2,807.
The lower effective rate in Florida translates directly into lower yearly property‑tax payments for homeowners at the same assessed value. The difference widens as home values increase because the tax is applied as a percentage of the assessed value.
Who is most affected by this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Homeowners evaluating a move or refinancing can use the tax‑rate gap to estimate future property‑tax obligations. |
| Prospective buyers | Buyers comparing affordability between the two states will see that, all else equal, Florida imposes a smaller tax burden on the same‑priced property. |
| Retirees | Many retirees consider total cost of living, including property taxes. A lower tax rate may make Florida more attractive for those on fixed incomes, though other factors (e.g., sales tax, income tax) also play a role. |
| Investors | Real‑estate investors assessing cash‑flow projections should incorporate the state‑specific tax rates; Florida’s lower rate generally yields higher net operating income for comparable assets. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how state‑level tax policy influences local revenue generation and homeowner expenses, useful for comparative fiscal studies. |
The comparison is purely fiscal; it does not account for other tax categories (e.g., income tax, sales tax) or non‑tax considerations such as climate, health‑care availability, or insurance costs.
Further reading
- Detailed information on Florida’s property‑tax structure: Florida property tax
- Detailed information on Pennsylvania’s property‑tax structure: Pennsylvania property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Florida’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.79 % is lower than Pennsylvania’s 1.35 %, producing a measurable reduction in annual tax liability for homeowners at comparable property values.
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Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.