Cost of Living in Pennsylvania
Overall index: 97.1 — ranked #26 of 51 (near the national average).
Where your money goes in Pennsylvania
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Pennsylvania
Estimated annual spending: $62,486($12,514 remaining)
Metro areas in Pennsylvania
What things cost in Pennsylvania
| Item | Pennsylvania | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $270,000 | $360,000 | $-90,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,215/mo | $1,400/mo | $-185 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.64/gal | $3.50/gal | +$0.14 |
| Electric bill | $111/mo | $137/mo | $26 |
| Infant childcare | $13,354/yr | $13,500/yr | $146 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.88 | $4.95 | $0.07 |
| Monthly groceries | $404/mo | $410/mo | $6 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Pennsylvania vs national average
What a salary in Pennsylvania is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,550 | $-1,450 |
| $75,000 | $72,825 | $-2,175 |
| $100,000 | $97,100 | $-2,900 |
| $125,000 | $121,375 | $-3,625 |
| $150,000 | $145,650 | $-4,350 |
| $200,000 | $194,200 | $-5,800 |
Negative difference means your money goes further in Pennsylvania than the national average.
Compare Pennsylvania with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has an overall cost-of-living index of 97.1, making it near the national average (ranked #26 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $270,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,215/month.
Is Pennsylvania expensive to live in?
Pennsylvania is near the national average with an overall cost-of-living index of 97.1 (average = 100). Some categories may be higher or lower than average.
How much does housing cost in Pennsylvania?
The median home price in Pennsylvania is $270,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,215/month. Pennsylvania's housing index is 86.8 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 13.200000000000003% below the national average. Costs vary significantly by metro area — Philadelphia has a housing index of 128.
How much are groceries in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's grocery index is 98.5 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $4.88 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $404, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Pennsylvania?
The average monthly electric bill in Pennsylvania is $111 based on the state's residential rate of 12.51¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Pennsylvania?
Center-based infant childcare in Pennsylvania averages $13,354/year ($1,113/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Pennsylvania?
A $75,000 salary in Pennsylvania has the same purchasing power as $77,240 at the national average cost of living. Your salary goes about as far as the national average. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
How does cost of living vary by city in Pennsylvania?
Major metro areas in Pennsylvania include: Philadelphia (112.5). Costs can vary significantly from the statewide average of 97.1. Click on a city above for detailed metro-level data.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Pennsylvania Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Pennsylvania taxes
- House Affordability in Pennsylvania — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Pennsylvania take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.