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What Is the Cost of Living in Pennsylvania?

Whether for work or to explore its verdant landscapes, many Americans are willing to move to Pennsylvania. Would you not want to know the financial implications of being a resident in this state?
What Is the Cost of Living in Pennsylvania?
What Is the Cost of Living in Pennsylvania?
With a population of more than 1 million, Pennsylvania also ranks 27th among affordable states in the US. But what is the cost of living in Pennsylvania? Read to know more.

Pennsylvania is famous for its lively cities, neat towns, and rolling hills. Pennsylvania is home to over 13 million people and is the fifth most populous state in the US. The city and the serene Amish countryside attract people from its urban areas. What is the cost of living in Pennsylvania? We explain in this blog.

Consider the cost of living if you’re moving for work, family, or a change. In Pennsylvania, it’s usually below the national average. However, it varies based on location and lifestyle. This article breaks down the main living costs in Pennsylvania.

Read Related Article: What is the Cost of Living in Iowa?

What Is the Average Cost of Living in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is 27th out of all the states in terms of the cost of living. The cost of living in Pennsylvania is not high. Out of the average cost, including housing, food, transport, and health, in 2021, the adult brought roughly $49040 home.

Here’s a breakdown of costs:

  • Utilities: 7% more expensive.
  • Healthcare: 8% cheaper.
  • Transportation: 8% more expensive.

What Are Housing Costs in Pennsylvania?

Housing costs significantly affect Pennsylvania’s living expenses. Pennsylvania’s housing market caters to various budgets, depending on location and lifestyle. The average home in Pennsylvania costs about $243,859.

Here are some home prices in key Pennsylvania cities:

  • Philadelphia: $218,435
  • Pittsburgh: $224,478
  • Allentown: $257,162
  • Erie: $163,947

How Much Taxes Do I Pay in Pennsylvania?

Understanding local taxes is crucial for Pennsylvania residents. While state income tax is uniform, local taxes can significantly raise costs.

  • State Income Tax: It has a flat rate of 3.07%, lower than many states.
  • Sales Tax: The base rate is 6%. Local areas can add up to 2%, raising the total.
  • Property Tax: The average is 1.58%, higher than the national average, varying by location.

How to Manage the Cost of Living in Pennsylvania

Managing expenses in Pennsylvania requires careful budgeting. Here are some tips:

Choose affordable locations

Living in cities like Erie or Scranton costs less than Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, but these cheaper areas still offer good services.

Adopt energy-saving measures

Energy costs in Pennsylvania are high. Use LED bulbs, seal windows, and improve insulation to save. Energy-efficient appliances also help reduce bills.

Plan for Transportation

Transportation can be expensive. To save money, use public transit if it’s available, carpool, or drive a fuel-efficient car.

Downsize Your Living Space

Consider moving to a smaller home to cut costs. In expensive cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, this can save a lot.

Maximize Health Insurance Benefits

Use your health insurance benefits fully, take advantage of free preventive services, and compare plans during open enrollment for the best deal.

Read Related Article: What is the Cost of Living in Louisiana?

Utility Expenses in Pennsylvania: What to Expect

Utility expenses amount to around $443 monthly in Pennsylvania, including electricity, heating gas, water, and internet. Notably, these costs exceed the national average. The average household accounts for the following utilities:

  • Electricity: $117.11
  • Natural Gas: $103
  • Water: $31
  • Internet: $30

Heating costs can be high, especially in winter. In northern Pennsylvania, where it gets very cold, heating adds significantly to bills.

Grocery Prices and Food Costs in Pennsylvania

Grocery prices in Pennsylvania match the national average. The average person spends $400 a month on groceries, but prices vary by local demand, store, and season.

Common grocery items include:

  • Milk (1 gallon): $1.25
  • Eggs (dozen): $3.75
  • Chicken breast (1 lb): $6.20
  • Bread (1 loaf): $2.50
  • Rice (1 lb): $1.60

Dining out costs vary by location and restaurant type. Lunch for one person averages $19.50, and dinner for two ranges from $60 to $70. Urban areas may have higher food costs, but they’re affordable.

Transportation Costs in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has high transportation costs, including gas, maintenance, and insurance. According to MIT, a single adult spends over $4,400 a year on these. Gas prices usually match the national average but can be higher. SEPTA offers public buses, trolleys, and trains for $83 to $100 monthly.

How Much Does Healthcare Cost in Pennsylvania?

Healthcare costs are key to understanding Pennsylvania’s living expenses. It is about 8% lower than the average state. For those covered as individuals, it is approximately $3,178 annually. Families pay around $9,511. These costs vary based on insurance, providers, and health needs.

Many Pennsylvania employers offer health insurance, reducing out-of-pocket costs. Costs differ for those on public programs, employer plans, or private insurance. It’s crucial to research and choose the right insurance to avoid high healthcare costs, which significantly impact living expenses in the state.

What Are Education and Childcare Costs in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, education and childcare costs vary widely. For working families, childcare costs in the form of daycare are very high. Childcare in Pennsylvania is costly. On average, it costs about $9,532 per year for one child. For families with two children, this cost can double.

In addition, tuition for private schools costs anywhere between $15,000 and $20,000 annually. These schools offer smaller classes and specialized programs. Childcare and education in Pennsylvania are expensive. Planning for these costs is crucial for working families. However, eligible people can apply for financial aid and scholarships.

Entertainment and Leisure Expenses in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is less expensive compared to other states. The average monthly fee for a gym is approximately $36.70, and the price for a movie ticket is around $14, but this greatly depends on the location and the cinema. Prices vary by theater and location. The state offers many free parks and trails for outdoor lovers.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are cultural hotspots. They feature concerts, theater, and art shows. Pennsylvania truly offers a variety of affordable entertainment for everyone.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania’s living costs vary by city, family size, and lifestyle. A living cost breakdown indicates that a single person spends about $2,315 on housing, groceries, transport, and utilities. Meanwhile, families with two children might spend roughly $5,500.

Housing is usually the biggest expense. Rent or mortgages are much higher in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh than in rural areas. Besides these basics, families should also budget for healthcare, childcare, entertainment, and other personal costs.

How Beem Can Help Manage Costs in Pennsylvania

Beem’s BFF Budget Planner lets you spend, save, plan, and protect your money like an expert with on-point financial insights and recommendations in Pennsylvania. By monitoring spending, users can spot saving opportunities. Beem also provides local insights. It shows average rent, utilities, transport, and grocery costs in various cities, helping users create personalized plans. Download the app here!

You can easily monitor and categorize expenses like housing, utilities, and groceries. Simply enter your monthly costs, and Beem highlights overspending areas. This helps you adjust your budget and save. Additionally, it offers tips and alerts on discounts, aiding better financial decisions. Whether in pricey Philadelphia or affordable Erie, Beem helps manage costs effectively.

Read Related Article: What Is the Cost of Living in Utah?

Conclusion

Pennsylvania is popular for its amenities and affordability. Its housing costs are below the national average. However, utility and transportation costs are higher, so careful budgeting is crucial. Understanding these expenses and using tools like Beem can ensure a comfortable, strain-free life in Pennsylvania.

For extra support, consider Beem. It’s a simple tool for tracking income, budgeting, and saving. This helps you manage finances, no matter where you live in Pennsylvania. Beem will help you plan your budget, send and receive money, calculate taxes, take out personal loans, and many more tasks. Try Beem and see the magic of financial planning yourself!

FAQs for What is the Cost of Living in Pennsylvania?

What is the average cost of living in Pennsylvania?

Compared to other states, Pennsylvania is not too expensive. Here, a person spends about $49,040 a year. This is slightly below the national average. Housing is key to this affordability.

How do housing costs in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?

Housing costs in Pennsylvania are 17% cheaper than the national average. Rental prices also vary. Larger cities are more expensive, especially in central areas.

Are utilities expensive in Pennsylvania?

Utilities in Pennsylvania are 7% above the national average. Monthly costs average $443. This includes electricity, heating, and water. Prices vary by location. Larger cities tend to have higher bills than rural areas.

What are the transportation options and costs in Pennsylvania?

Transportation costs in Pennsylvania are slightly above the national average. Gas prices vary. Public transport, like SEPTA in Philadelphia, is cheaper. In smaller towns, a car is often necessary. Urban areas add costs for parking and tolls.

How much should I budget for groceries in Pennsylvania?

Grocery costs in Pennsylvania match the national average. In the US, a single adult’s groceries cost between $400 and $800 monthly. Prices vary by location and shopping habits. Urban areas tend to be slightly more expensive.

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Author

Picture of Monica Aggarwal

Monica Aggarwal

A journalist by profession, Monica stays on her toes 24x7 and continuously seeks growth and development across all fronts. She loves beaches and enjoys a good book by the sea. Her family and friends are her biggest support system.

Editor

This page is purely informational. Beem does not provide financial, legal or accounting advice. This article has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide financial, legal or accounting advice and should not be relied on for the same. Please consult your own financial, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transactions.

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