Cost of Living in Carlisle, PA
Population 21,335 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Carlisle is a smaller Pennsylvania community of around 21000 residents, where median household incomes of $59,742 and housing costs ($212,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Located 70 miles northwest of Baltimore, Carlisle is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Housing prices track closely with Baltimore's $219,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carlisle
The median home value in Carlisle is $212,400 — 30% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $986/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,742/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%, 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 64.7°F and lows of 45.7°F. Overall, Carlisle has a cost of living index of 72 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% 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 | 40 | 43 | 53 | 65 | 75 | 83 | 88 | 85 | 79 | 67 | 55 | 44 |
| Low °F | 25 | 26 | 34 | 43 | 53 | 63 | 67 | 66 | 58 | 47 | 37 | 30 |
| Precip" | 2.64 | 2.36 | 3.35 | 3.70 | 3.48 | 3.72 | 4.30 | 3.68 | 4.12 | 3.68 | 2.80 | 3.15 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Carlisle, PA?
Carlisle has a cost index of 72 (100 = national average). It is 28% below the national average.
What is average rent in Carlisle, PA?
The median gross rent in Carlisle is $986 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carlisle?
The median home value in Carlisle is $212,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carlisle?
The median household income in Carlisle is $59,742 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carlisle, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carlisle is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Carlisle, PA affordable?
Yes, Carlisle is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 72 — about 28% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Carlisle?
Carlisle has average high temperatures of 64.7°F and average lows of 45.7°F. Annual precipitation is 41". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Carlisle at a Glance
- Population
- 21,335
- Median Income
- $59,742
- Home Value
- $212,400
- Median Rent
- $986/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Pennsylvania Rankings
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