Cost of Living in Darby, PA

Population 10,664 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

61
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Darby's median household income of $45,128 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 (32% here). Rental affordability is stretched — $1,337/month works out to about 36% of median household income, above the 30% "cost-burdened" line.

Darby sits roughly 9 miles southwest of Philadelphia — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 56% lower than Philadelphia's $232,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 33
Rent 102

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

About the Cost of Living in Darby

The median home value in Darby is $101,900 — 67% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,337/month, 2% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,128/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 20.1%, 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 65.2°F and lows of 47.3°F, with about 23.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Darby has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$101,900
67% below avg
Median Rent
$1,337/mo
2% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,587/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
6.4x
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 49.8%
Renter-occupied 50.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,337
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,951/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
41.1 min
52% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
48.6%
Carpooled
7.4%
Public transit
26.4%
Walked
3.2%
Work from home
11.3%

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
$45,128
39% below avg
Per Capita Income
$22,232
Unemployment Rate
20.1%
317% above avg
Poverty Rate
31.5%
Labor Force Participation
56.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.8%
Graduate degree 8.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.7
Male median age 33.7
Female median age 37.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
65.2°F
Avg Low
47.3°F
Annual Precip
44.1"
Annual Snowfall
23.1"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 414453657483888679675646
Low °F 262834445464706861493931
Precip" 3.132.753.963.473.344.044.384.294.403.472.913.97
Snow" 7.18.43.60.30.00.00.00.00.00.00.23.5

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 50 — Good
51.2%
Good air days/yr
271
Max AQI recorded
253
PM2.5 days
111
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Darby, PA?

Darby has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.

What is average rent in Darby, PA?

The median gross rent in Darby is $1,337 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Darby?

The median home value in Darby is $101,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Darby?

The median household income in Darby is $45,128 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Darby, PA?

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

Is Darby, PA affordable?

Yes, Darby is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Darby?

Darby has average high temperatures of 65.2°F and average lows of 47.3°F. Annual precipitation is 44.1". Average annual snowfall is 23.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Darby at a Glance

Population
10,664
Median Income
$45,128
Home Value
$101,900
Median Rent
$1,337/mo
Unemployment
20.1%
Avg High Temp
65.2°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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