Pennsylvania is a beautiful state with extensive history and scenic views. If you’re considering moving to PA, it’s important to understand the cost of living in Pennsylvania to survive. On average, it’s suggested that 50%-60% of your net income goes towards living expenses. However, this can vary depending on the individual’s circumstances. Certain costs and factors to keep in mind are housing, utilities, transportation, and food/grocery bill. Fortunately for those who live in Pennsylvania or plan to move to PA, the cost of living is very similar to the national average. In this article, we will explain the overall cost of living in Pennsylvania. Along with ways to prepare to handle your monthly living expenses!
What is the Cost of Living in Pennsylvania?
The cost of living in Pennsylvania is slightly below the national average. Therefore, to survive without assistance in Pennsylvania, you will need to earn between 47k and 50k yearly. However, to live comfortably in PA you will need to bring in roughly 95k yearly. Some examples of the common living expenses are housing/shelter, utility bills such as water and electricity, and food costs. Along with transportation to travel to and from work, and taxes such as sales tax, income tax, and property taxes.
Housing Cost of Living in Pennsylvania
Various factors impact the overall cost of housing. Things such as supply and demand, economic conditions, inflation, interest rates, and construction/material costs. Housing prices are up nationwide, although the pace of increase has slowed. On average, the house value in Pennsylvania is right around 285k, with the higher values being around the two large Pennsylvania cities, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Most mortgage payments run the homeowner around $1,600-1,800 monthly.
If you don’t qualify for a mortgage, you may be forced to rent an apartment or property. Be aware that the current rent in PA is around $1,600 a month, with 1-bedroom apartments going for roughly $1,282 and 2-bedroom units renting for about $1,787. Therefore, with rental rates and house values continuously rising, owning a home becomes more appealing than being a tenant.
Average Cost of Utilities in Pennsylvania
Living in the 21st century, we tend to accumulate pricey utility bills to survive, unless we live “off the grid.” In Pennsylvania, the average monthly electric bill costs about 150.98. Natural gas to warm your home or produce hot water can cost around $101, with the cold winter months running a bit higher. The water bill tends to be more reasonable, costing a renter or homeowner between $31 and $47 monthly. Other monthly utility bills to consider will be sewer and trash, which can vary depending on the township or city. In addition, the monthly cost of the internet is not a necessity, but a helpful source of staying informed.
Transportation Cost in Pennsylvania
Although transportation is not a basic human need, it remains vital to help individuals get to and from work, grocery shopping, and doctors’ appointments. Whether it’s utilizing public transportation, private ride services such as Uber, or owning your vehicle, getting from point A to point B is an important aspect of our everyday life.
Living in the southeastern section of Pennsylvania, fortunate enough to have SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) to help with transportation. The average fare for SEPTA is 2.50 for buses and regional rail, running between $4-$11. However, keep in mind that senior citizens ride free on SEPTA.
If you can afford a car, insurance, and vehicle maintenance after paying the more crucial cost of living in Pennsylvania, you are very fortunate. On average in PA, full coverage car insurance will run about $199 a month while minimum coverage costs roughly $43 a month. Additionally, you need to consider the cost of Gasoline, which is roughly $3.217 per gallon in PA.
Average Cost of Food in PA
Within the last few years, we’ve seen a steady increase in food prices. The average cost to feed an adult in PA is roughly $337, which exceeds the monthly government food benefits for those who qualify. Pennsylvania’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) only provides $292, which is only offered to those who make less than $2,510 a month. Therefore, many individuals need to rely on a food pantry (charitable organization) that provides food and other household items for those in need.
Overall Taxes in Pennsylvania
Paying taxes is part of our everyday life. Whether we’re purchasing an item at the store, owning a piece of property, or punching the time clock at work. The federal income tax is a set percentage nationwide; however, state and local taxes may vary depending on your location. In Pennsylvania, the state income tax is 3.07% which doesn’t include the local income tax. For example, Philadelphia has a local income tax of 3.74% for residents and 3.43% for non-residents working in Philly.
The sales tax when you purchase items from a store in Pennsylvania is 6% statewide, although Philly adds 2% bringing the total up to 8%. Additionally, when you own property, you are subjected to property tax of around 1.41% which helps fund the counties, municipalities, and public schools. Philadelphia real estate tax is 1.3998% of the assessed value. However, if you’re low-income or a senior citizen, Philadelphia freezes your tax amount from increasing as the property value continues to rise.
What is the Cost of Healthcare in Pennsylvania?
Health insurance is vital to have just in case of a medical emergency. Hospital bills and other health care can be pricey throughout our country. In Pennsylvania, the cost of premium health insurance after subsidies $187 for employer plans & $111 for individual plans. PA does offer medical assistance for those individuals who make less than $2,901 a month.
National Average Monthly Costs (2025 Update)
- The national average for housing in America is roughly $1,684, which falls right in the middle of the average for Pennsylvania.
- The average cost of monthly transportation right around $819. This includes vehicle upkeep, fuel cost, and monthly insurance rates. However, the $819 doesn’t include monthly car payments to lease or own a vehicle.
- Throughout our country, the standard monthly expense for food is about $400. The amount doesn’t include the preparation cost or the expense to eat out. In certain areas with a lack of resources, the cost of food can drastically increase.
- On average, the nationwide amount for monthly utilities costs about $734. However, to reduce the monthly cost for utilities, some homeowners elect to use natural resources such as solar panels. In addition, individuals can use fresh water from streams to cut the expense of water. While some people reside in areas with more comfortable temperatures, this reduces the heating and cooling costs.
Most Expensive and Most Affordable Parts of PA
Most Expensive Parts of Pennsylvania
- The Most Expensive Counties in Eastern PA: Chester County, Montgomery County, and Bucks County Pennsylvania. (All three of these counties are considered the suburbs of Philadelphia. These three counties have pricey real estate, excellent schools, and overall higher quality of life.)
- Some of the Most Expensive Counties in Western Pennsylvania: Allegeny County, which is outside of Pittsburgh.
Most Affordable Counties in PA
- Clearfield, Forrest, McKean, and Elk counties. These counties are cheaper to live in because they are small towns with a slower economy and less tourism. In addition, most of the more affordable counties in Pennsylvania are located within Central PA. These counties in Central Pennsylvania have lower populations, fewer resources, and lower home values.
Average Income Vs Cost of Living in Pennsylvania
Currently, the cost of living in Pennsylvania exceeds the average income. Based on the U.S. Census, the median income in PA equals $39,546, while the average cost of living is roughly $49,040. The poverty rate in PA’s around 12%, which means that 12 in every 100 Pennsylvania residents are considered poor. These individuals make ends meet by prioritizing their expenses, going without certain needs and wants. Some individuals lack the resources, education, or training to receive high-paying jobs above the $49,040 average cost of living in PA. Therefore, these individuals rely on assistance simply to survive.
Ways to Reduce the Cost of Living in Pennsylvania
- Utilize charities for food and household items. Places such as food banks, churches, and other non-profit groups.
- Explore government assistance programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). In addition, consider applying for Section 8 Housing, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which provides rental assistance, reducing the monthly rent of those who qualify.
- Energy efficiency: Consider utilizing solar panels, which absorb the sunlight, creating electrical current. In addition, be mindful of your usage involving the utilities by turning the lights off when in a different room.
- Budget and reduce unnecessary expenses. Only spend money on things you need. Therefore, be mindful of your budget and don’t exceed your monthly expenses.
- Work multiple jobs or find a side hustle to help make ends meet.
Is the Cost of Living in Pennsylvania Worth It?
Pennsylvania is a unique state with various environments, from mountains to cities. The ability to choose a slower pace of life or the liveliness of city life. A state with natural resources and a variety of employment opportunities. The cost of living in Pennsylvania is very similar to the national average. Therefore, it’s certainly worth living in PA.
The only downside is the extreme weather conditions. Experiencing extremely cold winters and brutally hot summers nearly doubles heating and cooling expenses. Therefore, the utility cost might be high for half of the year. However, there are PA government programs like “LIHEAP” that can reduce your utility costs. Therefore, never feel shy to request help, and always have a plan to help make ends meet!