Cost of Living in Meadville, PA

Population 12,723 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

50
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Meadville's median household income of $46,012 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 (18% here).

Meadville lies roughly 80 miles east of the nearest major metro, Cleveland — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 23% higher than Cleveland's $94,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 38
Rent 68

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

About the Cost of Living in Meadville

The median home value in Meadville is $115,700 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $887/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,012/year is 38% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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 57.3°F and lows of 39.9°F. Overall, Meadville has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$115,700
62% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$164,774
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$887/mo
32% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
10.9x
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 30.4%
Renter-occupied 69.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$887
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,501/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
15.8 min
41% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
63.9%
Carpooled
10.4%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
16.0%
Bicycle
0.7%
Work from home
7.9%

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
$46,012
38% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,630
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
14% above avg
Poverty Rate
18.3%
Labor Force Participation
52.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.9%
Graduate degree 8.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36
Male median age 30.1
Female median age 39.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.3°F
Avg Low
39.9°F
Annual Precip
41.4"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 333544586976807872604837
Low °F 181927374856615953423325
Precip" 2.521.962.903.813.734.394.913.734.163.742.982.59

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

94%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
8
Public schools
3,437
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Meadville, PA?

Meadville has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.

What is average rent in Meadville, PA?

The median gross rent in Meadville is $887 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Meadville?

The median home value in Meadville is $115,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Meadville?

The median household income in Meadville is $46,012 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Meadville, PA?

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

Is Meadville, PA affordable?

Yes, Meadville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Meadville?

Meadville has average high temperatures of 57.3°F and average lows of 39.9°F. Annual precipitation is 41.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Meadville at a Glance

Population
12,723
Median Income
$46,012
Home Value
$115,700
Median Rent
$887/mo
Unemployment
5.5%
Avg High Temp
57.3°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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