Cost of Living in Berwick, PA

Population 10,291 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

51
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Berwick's median household income of $45,338 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (22% here).

Berwick is about 50 miles northwest of Allentown, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Allentown's $189,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 44
Rent 60

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Berwick

The median home value in Berwick is $135,000 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $788/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,338/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 61.0°F and lows of 41.6°F, with about 45.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Berwick has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$135,000
56% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$200,639
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$788/mo
40% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.3x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$779
1 BR
$871
2 BR
$1,065
3 BR
$1,337
4 BR
$1,547
Owner-occupied 59.7%
Renter-occupied 40.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$788
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,402/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
21.5 min
20% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
83.6%
Carpooled
5.5%
Public transit
0.5%
Walked
4.2%
Work from home
6.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 3.1%
Total Sales Tax 6.3%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.3%
Property Tax 1.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$45,338
39% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,809
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
19% below avg
Poverty Rate
21.7%
Labor Force Participation
58.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.2%
Graduate degree 3.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.2
Male median age 39.8
Female median age 42.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.0°F
Avg Low
41.6°F
Annual Precip
38.7"
Annual Snowfall
45.1"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 363948617280858275635140
Low °F 202229395058636154433426
Precip" 2.592.072.773.263.263.803.613.854.153.712.852.80
Snow" 11.710.910.10.80.00.00.00.00.00.73.27.7

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
5
Public schools
2,757
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Berwick, PA?

Berwick has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.

What is average rent in Berwick, PA?

The median gross rent in Berwick is $788 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Berwick?

The median home value in Berwick is $135,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Berwick?

The median household income in Berwick is $45,338 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Berwick, PA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Berwick is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.

Is Berwick, PA affordable?

Yes, Berwick is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Berwick?

Berwick has average high temperatures of 61.0°F and average lows of 41.6°F. Annual precipitation is 38.7". Average annual snowfall is 45.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Berwick at a Glance

Population
10,291
Median Income
$45,338
Home Value
$135,000
Median Rent
$788/mo
Unemployment
3.9%
Avg High Temp
61.0°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
View all cities in Pennsylvania →
🗺️ County data for Pennsylvania

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs