Cost of Living in Norristown, PA
Population 35,782 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Norristown can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $205,000 against $65,058 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Geographically, Norristown sits roughly 13 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Median home values run roughly 12% lower than Philadelphia's $232,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Norristown
The median home value in Norristown is $205,100 — 33% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,337/month, 2% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,058/year is 13% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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 63.0°F and lows of 45.0°F. Overall, Norristown has a cost of living index of 81 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% 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 | 40 | 43 | 51 | 63 | 72 | 81 | 85 | 83 | 76 | 64 | 54 | 44 |
| Low °F | 24 | 26 | 32 | 42 | 52 | 61 | 67 | 65 | 58 | 47 | 37 | 30 |
💨 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 Norristown, PA?
Norristown has a cost index of 81 (100 = national average). It is 19% below the national average.
What is average rent in Norristown, PA?
The median gross rent in Norristown is $1,337 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Norristown?
The median home value in Norristown is $205,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Norristown?
The median household income in Norristown is $65,058 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Norristown, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Norristown is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Norristown, PA affordable?
Yes, Norristown is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 81 — about 19% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Norristown?
Norristown has average high temperatures of 63.0°F and average lows of 45.0°F. Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Norristown at a Glance
- Population
- 35,782
- Median Income
- $65,058
- Home Value
- $205,100
- Median Rent
- $1,337/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Pennsylvania Rankings
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