Cost of Living in Harrisburg, PA
Population 50,092 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Harrisburg run well below national norms — a median of $47,783 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $121,000). Around 29% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 70 miles north of Baltimore, Harrisburg is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Baltimore's $219,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Harrisburg
The median home value in Harrisburg is $121,000 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $996/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,783/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.4%, 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 64.7°F and lows of 45.7°F. Overall, Harrisburg has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% 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 Harrisburg, PA?
Harrisburg has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.
What is average rent in Harrisburg, PA?
The median gross rent in Harrisburg is $996 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Harrisburg?
The median home value in Harrisburg is $121,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Harrisburg?
The median household income in Harrisburg is $47,783 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Harrisburg, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Harrisburg is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Harrisburg, PA affordable?
Yes, Harrisburg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg 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.
Harrisburg at a Glance
- Population
- 50,092
- Median Income
- $47,783
- Home Value
- $121,000
- Median Rent
- $996/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Pennsylvania Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs