Pennsylvania cost of living

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    Moving to a new state comes with new opportunities and adventures. It also comes with a lot of stress as you try to figure out all the right details. Once you sort out the practical matters, you can focus on what matters most: making your new place home.

    Whether you're relocating to Pennsylvania for a job, family or just because, understanding the cost of living in the state is crucial to a smooth transition.


    Key insights

    The median rent in Pennsylvania is $1,236.90, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.

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    Residents in Pennsylvania spend $249.09 weekly on food at home and $93.01 on food out.

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    As of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.66 in Pennsylvania.

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    Recent data shows that employees in Pennsylvania pay $1,784 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.

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    Housing costs in Pennsylvania

    According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Pennsylvania is $1,236.90, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.

    Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Pennsylvania broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Pennsylvania had a median cost of $929 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,157 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,286 and $1,365, respectively.

    As of publishing, the median home price in Pennsylvania is $292,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.

    The median home price in the Philadelphia metro area was $342,500 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The same data showed the median home price in Pittsburgh was $207,100.

    Pennsylvania ranks No. 11 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 1.49%.

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    Food costs in Pennsylvania

    According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Pennsylvania is $249.09, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Pennsylvania residents spend an average of $93.01 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.

    Transportation costs in Pennsylvania

    According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Pennsylvania is $3.66, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.

    The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Pennsylvania is $1,071.26, versus the national average of $1,189.50.

    Public transportation costs

    Public transit opportunities depend on where you live in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia ranked No. 40 in our 2024 ranking of cities with the best public transit. The average fare was $1.43 in 2022. Pittsburgh ranked No. 49; the average fare there was $1.76 at that time.

    Health care costs in Pennsylvania

    The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Pennsylvania employees $1,784 annually, with employers covering the remaining $6,314 of the $8,098 total cost.

    Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.

    Utility costs in Pennsylvania

    According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Pennsylvania is $136.17, versus $135.25 countrywide.

    Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Pennsylvania costs $12.13 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.

    Simplify your search

    Find a team that works for you & enjoy a stress-free move.

      FAQ

      How does the cost of living in Pennsylvania compare with the national average?

      Our 2023 analysis showed that Pennsylvania is less expensive than the national average and much less expensive than New York and New Jersey.

      What are the least expensive cities in Pennsylvania?

      With a median home price at $164,100 in the first quarter of 2024, Erie is a much more affordable alternative to, say, Philadelphia or Allentown.

      How much does it cost to move across the country?

      If you’re moving more than 1,000 miles, it’s likely to cost you several thousand dollars to hire professional movers. Fortunately, there are ways to make your cross-country move cheaper.


      Article sources

      ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

      1. Zillow, “Housing Data.” Accessed May 14, 2024.
      2. Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
      3. Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
      4. United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
      5. AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
      6. National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
      7. KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
      8. U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
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