Cost of Living in Manheim, PA

Population 5,028 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

83
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Manheim offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $218,000 — costs less than 2.7 times median household income of $81,484, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. At 6.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Manheim is about 55 miles southwest of Allentown, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 15% higher than Allentown's $189,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 72
Rent 101

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

About the Cost of Living in Manheim

The median home value in Manheim is $218,100 — 28% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,324/month, 1% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,484/year is 9% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, 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, Manheim has a cost of living index of 83 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$218,100
28% below avg
Median Rent
$1,324/mo
1% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,631/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.7x
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 75.2%
Renter-occupied 24.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,324
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,938/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
25.2 min
7% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.4%
Carpooled
9.1%
Public transit
0.7%
Walked
0.7%
Work from home
11.1%

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
$81,484
9% above avg
Per Capita Income
$36,350
Unemployment Rate
6.5%
35% above avg
Poverty Rate
13.1%
Labor Force Participation
75.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 20.9%
Graduate degree 8.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33
Male median age 32.9
Female median age 33

🌤 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 58 — Moderate
29.6%
Good air days/yr
321
Max AQI recorded
304
PM2.5 days
61
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

88%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
3,046
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Manheim, PA?

Manheim has a cost index of 83 (100 = national average). It is 17% below the national average.

What is average rent in Manheim, PA?

The median gross rent in Manheim is $1,324 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Manheim?

The median home value in Manheim is $218,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Manheim?

The median household income in Manheim is $81,484 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Manheim, PA?

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

Is Manheim, PA affordable?

Yes, Manheim is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 83 — about 17% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Manheim?

Manheim 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.

Manheim at a Glance

Population
5,028
Median Income
$81,484
Home Value
$218,100
Median Rent
$1,324/mo
Unemployment
6.5%
Avg High Temp
63.8°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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