Cost of Living in New Castle, PA
Population 21,727 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
New Castle's median household income of $41,478 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 (26% here). At 13.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
New Castle is about 45 miles northwest 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 63% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in New Castle
The median home value in New Castle is $72,000 — 76% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $698/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,478/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.8%, 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 59.7°F and lows of 40.1°F, with about 67.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, New Castle has a cost of living index of 35 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 65% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 34 | 37 | 47 | 60 | 71 | 79 | 83 | 81 | 74 | 62 | 50 | 39 |
| Low °F | 19 | 21 | 28 | 38 | 48 | 56 | 60 | 59 | 52 | 42 | 33 | 26 |
| Precip" | 3.03 | 2.52 | 3.21 | 3.75 | 3.72 | 3.90 | 4.27 | 3.48 | 3.84 | 3.34 | 2.96 | 3.17 |
| Snow" | 19.6 | 15.1 | 10.5 | 2.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 4.5 | 14.8 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in New Castle, PA?
New Castle has a cost index of 35 (100 = national average). It is 65% below the national average.
What is average rent in New Castle, PA?
The median gross rent in New Castle is $698 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in New Castle?
The median home value in New Castle is $72,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in New Castle?
The median household income in New Castle is $41,478 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in New Castle, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in New Castle is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is New Castle, PA affordable?
Yes, New Castle is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 35 — about 65% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in New Castle?
New Castle has average high temperatures of 59.7°F and average lows of 40.1°F. Annual precipitation is 41.2". Average annual snowfall is 67.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
New Castle at a Glance
- Population
- 21,727
- Median Income
- $41,478
- Home Value
- $72,000
- Median Rent
- $698/mo
- Unemployment
- 13.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data