Cost of Living in New Kensington, PA
Population 12,072 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
New Kensington 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.
Located 15 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, New Kensington falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 31% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in New Kensington
The median home value in New Kensington is $132,400 — 57% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $694/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,644/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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, New Kensington has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% 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 | 37 | 40 | 49 | 63 | 72 | 79 | 83 | 81 | 75 | 63 | 51 | 41 |
| Low °F | 22 | 24 | 31 | 42 | 52 | 60 | 64 | 63 | 56 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.08 | 2.57 | 3.22 | 3.40 | 4.08 | 4.58 | 3.93 | 3.81 | 3.54 | 3.06 | 3.03 | 3.04 |
💨 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 Kensington, PA?
New Kensington has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.
What is average rent in New Kensington, PA?
The median gross rent in New Kensington is $694 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in New Kensington?
The median home value in New Kensington is $132,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in New Kensington?
The median household income in New Kensington is $49,644 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in New Kensington, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in New Kensington is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is New Kensington, PA affordable?
Yes, New Kensington is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in New Kensington?
New Kensington 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.
New Kensington at a Glance
- Population
- 12,072
- Median Income
- $49,644
- Home Value
- $132,400
- Median Rent
- $694/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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