Pennsylvania Cost of Living

The average cost of living in Pennsylvania

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average annual per-person spending in Pennsylvania was $57,009 in 2023. This amount reflects what the typical resident consumes each year for housing, health care, food, gasoline and energy, and other goods and services.

Here’s a breakdown of the largest spending categories in Pennsylvania:

Housing costs in Pennsylvania

For most families and individuals, housing takes up the largest share of the budget. In Pennsylvania, average rent comes in at $1,530, which is slightly less than the national average rent of $1,639. However, actual costs can change significantly depending on the city, neighborhood and apartment size. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent figures, here’s what you can expect to pay monthly:

• One-bedroom rent: $1,025
• Two-bedroom rent: $1,226
• Three-bedroom rent: $1,352
• Four-bedroom rent: $1,493

If you’re looking to buy a home, the median home price in Pennsylvania is $328,400, which is less than the U.S. median home price of $446,638.

Property taxes can also impact your monthly housing costs. Pennsylvania has one of the highest effective property tax rates in the nation at 1.19%, which can add a noticeable expense for homeowners.

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Food costs in Pennsylvania

Grocery spending in Pennsylvania depends heavily on your shopping habits and family size. The most recent data shows that Pennsylvania residents spend an average of $249.09 each week on groceries, compared with a U.S. average grocery spend of $270.21.

How much you spend on food can shift based on personal routines. People who cook at home might see savings, especially if they shop at discount grocers or purchase in bulk. Dining out — especially in larger cities and popular destinations — will quickly drive up monthly food expenses, while those living in smaller towns may benefit from lower menu prices and access to local produce.

Transportation costs in Pennsylvania

Getting around in Pennsylvania can mean different things depending on where you live, but transportation costs for everyone include gas and insurance. The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Pennsylvania is $3.25, which is slightly more than the U.S. average of $3.13.

Auto insurance is another important factor in transportation spending. In Pennsylvania, the average premium for full coverage insurance is $1,118.63, while the national average is $1,258.

Health care costs in Pennsylvania

Health care is a vital part of any budget, especially for families. The good news is that Pennsylvania has relatively affordable health care costs.

In Pennsylvania, employees with employer-sponsored health insurance contribute an average of $1,575 each year toward their coverage. Employers generally pay the remainder, which brings the total annual premium to $8,145.

Across the country, the typical employee contribution was $1,640 out of a total premium of $8,182.

Utility costs in Pennsylvania

Utility bills are another key monthly expense to plan for. The typical monthly electric bill in Pennsylvania is $143.10, compared with the U.S. average of $136.84.

Natural gas prices are also a factor for many households — in Pennsylvania, the cost is $12.88 per thousand cubic feet, while the national average is $12.92.