Cost of Living in McKeesport, PA

Population 17,520 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

38
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $31,854, median household incomes in McKeesport land roughly 57% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 10.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, McKeesport sits roughly 10 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. Median home values run roughly 64% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 23
Rent 60

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

About the Cost of Living in McKeesport

The median home value in McKeesport is $69,800 — 77% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $786/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $31,854/year is 57% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.1%, 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, McKeesport has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$69,800
77% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$91,525
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$786/mo
40% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,157/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
7.4x
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 48.9%
Renter-occupied 51.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$786
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,400/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
30.7 min
14% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
67.3%
Carpooled
8.6%
Public transit
9.5%
Walked
3.8%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
9.5%

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
$31,854
57% below avg
Per Capita Income
$22,766
Unemployment Rate
10.1%
110% above avg
Poverty Rate
32.9%
Labor Force Participation
53.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.6%
Graduate degree 4.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.5
Male median age 41.4
Female median age 39.3

🌤 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 56 — Moderate
33.2%
Good air days/yr
237
Max AQI recorded
294
PM2.5 days
71
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in McKeesport, PA?

McKeesport has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.

What is average rent in McKeesport, PA?

The median gross rent in McKeesport is $786 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in McKeesport?

The median home value in McKeesport is $69,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in McKeesport?

The median household income in McKeesport is $31,854 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in McKeesport, PA?

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

Is McKeesport, PA affordable?

Yes, McKeesport is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in McKeesport?

McKeesport 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.

McKeesport at a Glance

Population
17,520
Median Income
$31,854
Home Value
$69,800
Median Rent
$786/mo
Unemployment
10.1%
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