Cost of Living in Donora, PA

Population 4,536 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

37
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Donora's median household income of $42,851 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 (31% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 14.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Donora sits roughly 20 miles southeast of Pittsburgh — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 70% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 19
Rent 64

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

About the Cost of Living in Donora

The median home value in Donora is $57,700 — 81% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $842/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,851/year is 43% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 14.1%, 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 61.2°F and lows of 43.5°F. Overall, Donora has a cost of living index of 37 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 63% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$57,700
81% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$288,736
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$842/mo
36% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
5.7x
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 56.5%
Renter-occupied 43.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$842
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,456/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
32.9 min
22% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.1%
Carpooled
7.1%
Public transit
3.6%
Walked
2.3%
Work from home
7.6%

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
$42,851
43% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,878
Unemployment Rate
14.1%
192% above avg
Poverty Rate
31.2%
Labor Force Participation
60.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.7%
Graduate degree 3.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 47.5
Male median age 47.1
Female median age 48.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.2°F
Avg Low
43.5°F
Annual Precip
41.3"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 374049637279838175635141
Low °F 222431425260646356453528
Precip" 3.082.573.223.404.084.583.933.813.543.063.033.04

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 51 — Moderate
49.3%
Good air days/yr
212
Max AQI recorded
238
PM2.5 days
127
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Donora, PA?

Donora has a cost index of 37 (100 = national average). It is 63% below the national average.

What is average rent in Donora, PA?

The median gross rent in Donora is $842 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Donora?

The median home value in Donora is $57,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Donora?

The median household income in Donora is $42,851 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Donora, PA?

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

Is Donora, PA affordable?

Yes, Donora is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 37 — about 63% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Donora?

Donora has average high temperatures of 61.2°F and average lows of 43.5°F. Annual precipitation is 41.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Donora at a Glance

Population
4,536
Median Income
$42,851
Home Value
$57,700
Median Rent
$842/mo
Unemployment
14.1%
Avg High Temp
61.2°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
View all cities in Pennsylvania →
🗺️ County data for Pennsylvania

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs