Cost of Living in Bradford, PA

Population 7,738 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

38
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Bradford sits on the smaller end of the Pennsylvania city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. A poverty rate near 24% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Geographically, Bradford is about 65 miles south of Buffalo, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 50% lower than Buffalo's $152,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 25
Rent 57

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

About the Cost of Living in Bradford

The median home value in Bradford is $76,400 — 75% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $745/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,330/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, 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 55.8°F and lows of 35.9°F. Overall, Bradford has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$76,400
75% below avg
Median Rent
$745/mo
43% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
8.5x
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 62.1%
Renter-occupied 37.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$745
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,359/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
15.5 min
43% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.2%
Carpooled
8.8%
Public transit
3.9%
Walked
5.5%
Bicycle
1.6%
Work from home
4.5%

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
$56,330
24% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,150
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
3% below avg
Poverty Rate
24.4%
Labor Force Participation
57.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.1%
Graduate degree 5.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.5
Male median age 39.3
Female median age 40.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
55.8°F
Avg Low
35.9°F
Annual Precip
41.9"
10° 28° 45° 63° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 313342566875797770584635
Low °F 161624344352555448383022
Precip" 2.722.083.043.554.214.184.163.913.653.993.203.17

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
2,635
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bradford, PA?

Bradford has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.

What is average rent in Bradford, PA?

The median gross rent in Bradford is $745 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Bradford?

The median home value in Bradford is $76,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Bradford?

The median household income in Bradford is $56,330 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Bradford, PA?

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

Is Bradford, PA affordable?

Yes, Bradford is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Bradford?

Bradford has average high temperatures of 55.8°F and average lows of 35.9°F. Annual precipitation is 41.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Bradford at a Glance

Population
7,738
Median Income
$56,330
Home Value
$76,400
Median Rent
$745/mo
Unemployment
4.7%
Avg High Temp
55.8°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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