Cost of Living in Lebanon, PA

Population 26,600 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

59
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Lebanon's median household income of $47,439 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 (23% here). At 9.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Lebanon is about 55 miles west of Allentown, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 24% lower than Allentown's $189,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 47
Rent 78

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

About the Cost of Living in Lebanon

The median home value in Lebanon is $143,200 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,024/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,439/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.7%, 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 63.8°F and lows of 42.8°F. Overall, Lebanon has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$143,200
53% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$278,193
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,024/mo
22% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,322/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.7x
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 46.1%
Renter-occupied 53.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,024
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,638/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
22.0 min
19% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.8%
Carpooled
12.4%
Public transit
2.9%
Walked
5.6%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
4.6%

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
$47,439
36% below avg
Per Capita Income
$24,321
Unemployment Rate
9.7%
101% above avg
Poverty Rate
22.9%
Labor Force Participation
60.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.1%
Graduate degree 4.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.4
Male median age 36.4
Female median age 40

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.8°F
Avg Low
42.8°F
Annual Precip
42.1"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404252647482868578665444
Low °F 222331405060656356443427
Precip" 2.592.203.333.343.444.784.203.524.693.783.063.13

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 47 — Good
55.9%
Good air days/yr
265
Max AQI recorded
238
PM2.5 days
127
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

82.6%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.3:1
Student-teacher ratio
13
Public schools
10,177
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lebanon, PA?

Lebanon has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.

What is average rent in Lebanon, PA?

The median gross rent in Lebanon is $1,024 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lebanon?

The median home value in Lebanon is $143,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Lebanon?

The median household income in Lebanon is $47,439 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lebanon, PA?

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

Is Lebanon, PA affordable?

Yes, Lebanon is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Lebanon?

Lebanon has average high temperatures of 63.8°F and average lows of 42.8°F. Annual precipitation is 42.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Lebanon at a Glance

Population
26,600
Median Income
$47,439
Home Value
$143,200
Median Rent
$1,024/mo
Unemployment
9.7%
Avg High Temp
63.8°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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