Cost of Living in Meridian, PA

Population 3,809 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

84
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Meridian sits on the smaller end of the Pennsylvania city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. An unemployment rate of 0.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Meridian is about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 20% higher than Pittsburgh's $193,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 76
Rent 97

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

About the Cost of Living in Meridian

The median home value in Meridian is $231,000 — 24% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,281/month, 3% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,250/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.9%, below 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 61.1°F and lows of 42.5°F, with about 44.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Meridian has a cost of living index of 84 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 16% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$231,000
24% below avg
Median Rent
$1,281/mo
3% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.0x
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 91.9%
Renter-occupied 8.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,281
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,895/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
6.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
90.2%
Carpooled
2.6%
Public transit
0.8%
Work from home
6.5%

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
$70,250
6% below avg
Per Capita Income
$48,347
Unemployment Rate
0.9%
82% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.2%
Labor Force Participation
57.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 20.1%
Graduate degree 10.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.7
Male median age 50
Female median age 49.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.1°F
Avg Low
42.5°F
Annual Precip
39.6"
Annual Snowfall
44.1"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 364049627279838275635141
Low °F 212330415159636255443427
Precip" 2.962.623.153.323.834.124.263.523.302.832.862.84
Snow" 13.311.77.61.00.00.00.00.00.00.42.47.7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Meridian, PA?

Meridian has a cost index of 84 (100 = national average). It is 16% below the national average.

What is average rent in Meridian, PA?

The median gross rent in Meridian is $1,281 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Meridian?

The median home value in Meridian is $231,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Meridian?

The median household income in Meridian is $70,250 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Meridian, PA?

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

Is Meridian, PA affordable?

Yes, Meridian is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 84 — about 16% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Meridian?

Meridian has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 42.5°F. Annual precipitation is 39.6". Average annual snowfall is 44.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Meridian at a Glance

Population
3,809
Median Income
$70,250
Home Value
$231,000
Median Rent
$1,281/mo
Unemployment
0.9%
Avg High Temp
61.1°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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