Cost of Living in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has 25 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Pittsburgh (cost index 93.7) to Philadelphia (100.7), with a statewide average around 97.7 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Altoona at $789/mo and highest in King of Prussia at $1,995/mo.
Pennsylvania at a Glance
Cities Tracked
25
with census data
Avg Cost Index
97.7
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,158
per month
Avg Household Income
$63,105
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh | 93.7 | $1,221 |
| Allentown | 98.1 | $1,269 |
| Bethlehem | 98.1 | $1,311 |
| Easton | 98.1 | $1,223 |
| Philadelphia | 100.7 | $1,323 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 100.7 | $1,323 |
| Allentown | 98.1 | $1,269 |
| Bethlehem | 98.1 | $1,311 |
| Easton | 98.1 | $1,223 |
| Pittsburgh | 93.7 | $1,221 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Pennsylvania
State Income Tax
3.07%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Philadelphia | 1,582,432 | 100.7 | $1,323 | $232,400 | $60,698 |
| Pittsburgh | 303,620 | 93.7 | $1,221 | $193,200 | $64,137 |
| Allentown | 125,320 | 98.1 | $1,269 | $188,900 | $53,403 |
| Reading | 94,836 | — | $1,018 | $109,800 | $45,599 |
| Erie | 94,156 | — | $836 | $108,200 | $43,397 |
| Bethlehem | 77,069 | 98.1 | $1,311 | $236,500 | $66,443 |
| Scranton | 76,074 | — | $991 | $141,700 | $49,531 |
| Lancaster | 57,683 | — | $1,177 | $203,700 | $63,421 |
| Levittown | 50,930 | — | $1,501 | $311,000 | $101,619 |
| Harrisburg | 50,092 | — | $996 | $121,000 | $47,783 |
| York | 44,830 | — | $958 | $103,100 | $47,115 |
| Wilkes-Barre | 44,217 | — | $939 | $108,000 | $47,970 |
| Altoona | 43,508 | — | $789 | $113,600 | $50,171 |
| State College | 40,669 | — | $1,229 | $414,400 | $47,132 |
| Norristown | 35,782 | — | $1,337 | $205,100 | $65,058 |
| Chester | 33,209 | — | $1,080 | $85,400 | $39,809 |
| Bethel Park | 33,070 | — | $1,259 | $258,700 | $104,129 |
| Drexel Hill | 30,015 | — | $1,312 | $239,900 | $87,993 |
| Hazleton | 29,886 | — | $1,015 | $129,000 | $43,379 |
| Easton | 29,079 | 98.1 | $1,223 | $169,200 | $63,775 |
| Monroeville | 28,383 | — | $1,162 | $197,400 | $78,191 |
| Williamsport | 27,629 | — | $825 | $146,500 | $49,363 |
| Plum | 26,873 | — | $1,156 | $218,600 | $98,475 |
| Lebanon | 26,600 | — | $1,024 | $143,200 | $47,439 |
| King of Prussia | 25,025 | — | $1,995 | $396,500 | $111,600 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Moving Guides Involving Pennsylvania
Compare Pennsylvania cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Pennsylvania cities stack up across the US. For example, Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Pennsylvania
What is the cost of living in Pennsylvania?
The average cost of living index across cities in Pennsylvania is approximately 97.7 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,158/month and median household income averages around $63,105/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Pennsylvania?
The most affordable cities in Pennsylvania by cost of living index are: 1. Pittsburgh (index 93.7), 2. Allentown (index 98.1), 3. Bethlehem (index 98.1).
What is the median rent in Pennsylvania?
The average median gross rent across cities in Pennsylvania is approximately $1,158/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's top marginal state income tax rate is 3.07%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's statewide sales tax rate is 6.00%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a cost of living index of approximately 97.7 and average median rent around $1,158/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology