Cost of Living in Elim, PA

Population 3,828 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

51
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Elim can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $120,000 against $64,597 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.

Located 55 miles east of Pittsburgh, Elim is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 39
Rent 68

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

About the Cost of Living in Elim

The median home value in Elim is $120,100 — 61% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $895/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,597/year is 13% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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 57.2°F and lows of 40.6°F. Overall, Elim has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$120,100
61% below avg
Median Rent
$895/mo
32% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.2x
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 66.5%
Renter-occupied 33.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$895
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,509/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
22.7 min
16% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
19.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
69.5%
Carpooled
2.7%
Walked
2.5%
Work from home
19.8%

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
$64,597
13% below avg
Per Capita Income
$35,641
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
4% above avg
Poverty Rate
5.8%
Labor Force Participation
58.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.1%
Graduate degree 6.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.3
Male median age 43.7
Female median age 48.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.2°F
Avg Low
40.6°F
Annual Precip
41.3"
10° 28° 45° 63° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 333645586875797771594738
Low °F 192128384957616053433325
Precip" 2.542.533.123.544.124.404.223.953.993.063.112.68

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
58.7%
Good air days/yr
201
Max AQI recorded
252
PM2.5 days
108
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Elim, PA?

Elim has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.

What is average rent in Elim, PA?

The median gross rent in Elim is $895 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Elim?

The median home value in Elim is $120,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Elim?

The median household income in Elim is $64,597 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Elim, PA?

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

Is Elim, PA affordable?

Yes, Elim is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Elim?

Elim has average high temperatures of 57.2°F and average lows of 40.6°F. Annual precipitation is 41.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Elim at a Glance

Population
3,828
Median Income
$64,597
Home Value
$120,100
Median Rent
$895/mo
Unemployment
5.0%
Avg High Temp
57.2°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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