Cost of Living in Butler, PA
Population 13,306 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Butler's median household income of $41,705 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 (23% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Butler is about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 42% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Butler
The median home value in Butler is $112,500 — 63% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $815/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,705/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.1%, 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 61.1°F and lows of 42.5°F, with about 44.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Butler has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 36 | 40 | 49 | 62 | 72 | 79 | 83 | 82 | 75 | 63 | 51 | 41 |
| Low °F | 21 | 23 | 30 | 41 | 51 | 59 | 63 | 62 | 55 | 44 | 34 | 27 |
| Precip" | 2.96 | 2.62 | 3.15 | 3.32 | 3.83 | 4.12 | 4.26 | 3.52 | 3.30 | 2.83 | 2.86 | 2.84 |
| Snow" | 13.3 | 11.7 | 7.6 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 2.4 | 7.7 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Butler, PA?
Butler has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.
What is average rent in Butler, PA?
The median gross rent in Butler is $815 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Butler?
The median home value in Butler is $112,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Butler?
The median household income in Butler is $41,705 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Butler, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Butler is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Butler, PA affordable?
Yes, Butler is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Butler?
Butler has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 42.5°F. Annual precipitation is 39.6". Average annual snowfall is 44.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Butler at a Glance
- Population
- 13,306
- Median Income
- $41,705
- Home Value
- $112,500
- Median Rent
- $815/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Pennsylvania Rankings
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