
Pennsylvania vs. Other US States: A Competitive Advantage for Business
Expanding to the US is a significant decision; choosing the right state can define a company’s success. While California, Texas, and New York often dominate headlines, Pennsylvania offers a superior mix of affordability, infrastructure, and business-friendly policies, making it an ideal landing spot for UK and Irish firms.
Cost-Competitive Without Compromise
Compared to New York or California, Pennsylvania offers a significantly lower cost of doing business. Labour costs, property prices, and utility rates are all more affordable, yet businesses still benefit from access to top-tier talent, research institutions, and global markets.
For example:
- Corporate taxes are lower than New York’s, and Pennsylvania is actively reforming its tax system to be more competitive.
- Industrial electricity costs are among the lowest in the Northeast, ideal for manufacturing and energy-intensive businesses.
- Real estate costs are up to 50% lower than in major hubs like Boston or San Francisco.
Logistics and Market Access
While states like Texas and Florida are growing, Pennsylvania’s location is unmatched. Situated within 500 miles of 40% of the US population, businesses based in Pennsylvania can quickly distribute goods across the East Coast and Midwest.
Pennsylvania is built for global business. It has six international airports, three major ports, and the highest number of rail freight operations in the US.
Skilled Talent Without the Competition Bottleneck
Unlike Silicon Valley or New York, where businesses struggle to attract and retain talent due to high living costs, Pennsylvania offers a deep, stable, and highly skilled workforce. With 190,000 university graduates annually and top-tier R&D institutions, businesses have access to expertise without fierce hiring competition.