Cost of Living in Blue Bell, PA

Population 6,450 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

209
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Blue Bell sits 91% above the national median — $582,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $159,963 (114% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Geographically, Blue Bell sits roughly 12 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Median home values run roughly 150% higher than Philadelphia's $232,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 191
Rent 237

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

About the Cost of Living in Blue Bell

The median home value in Blue Bell is $581,500 — 91% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,111/month, 137% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $159,963/year is 114% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, above 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 63.0°F and lows of 45.0°F. Overall, Blue Bell has a cost of living index of 209 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 109% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$581,500
91% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$670,759
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,111/mo
137% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,541/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.6x
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 89.4%
Renter-occupied 10.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,111
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,725/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
33.1 min
23% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
34.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
57.0%
Carpooled
2.7%
Public transit
1.6%
Walked
2.3%
Work from home
34.5%

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
$159,963
114% above avg
Per Capita Income
$86,093
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
14% above avg
Poverty Rate
2.5%
Labor Force Participation
64.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 39.8%
Graduate degree 38.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.5
Male median age 44
Female median age 45.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.0°F
Avg Low
45.0°F
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404351637281858376645444
Low °F 242632425261676558473730

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
63.6%
Good air days/yr
284
Max AQI recorded
221
PM2.5 days
144
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Blue Bell, PA?

Blue Bell has a cost index of 209 (100 = national average). It is 109% above the national average.

What is average rent in Blue Bell, PA?

The median gross rent in Blue Bell is $3,111 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Blue Bell?

The median home value in Blue Bell is $581,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Blue Bell?

The median household income in Blue Bell is $159,963 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Blue Bell, PA?

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

Is Blue Bell, PA affordable?

Blue Bell is above average in cost of living, with an index of 209 — about 109% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Blue Bell?

Blue Bell has average high temperatures of 63.0°F and average lows of 45.0°F. Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Blue Bell at a Glance

Population
6,450
Median Income
$159,963
Home Value
$581,500
Median Rent
$3,111/mo
Unemployment
5.5%
Avg High Temp
63.0°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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🗺️ County data for Pennsylvania

Explore county-level cost of living data

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