Cost of Living in Plains, PA
Population 4,369 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Plains stay well under national norms: a median home value of $142,000 against median household incomes of $65,417 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Pennsylvania. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Plains is about 50 miles northwest of Allentown, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Allentown's $189,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Plains
The median home value in Plains is $141,800 — 54% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $950/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,417/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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 61.0°F and lows of 41.6°F, with about 45.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Plains has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less expensive.
Plains has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 36 | 39 | 48 | 61 | 72 | 80 | 85 | 82 | 75 | 63 | 51 | 40 |
| Low °F | 20 | 22 | 29 | 39 | 50 | 58 | 63 | 61 | 54 | 43 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 2.59 | 2.07 | 2.77 | 3.26 | 3.26 | 3.80 | 3.61 | 3.85 | 4.15 | 3.71 | 2.85 | 2.80 |
| Snow" | 11.7 | 10.9 | 10.1 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 3.2 | 7.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Plains, PA?
Plains has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.
What is average rent in Plains, PA?
The median gross rent in Plains is $950 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Plains?
The median home value in Plains is $141,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Plains?
The median household income in Plains is $65,417 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Plains, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Plains is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Plains, PA affordable?
Yes, Plains is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Plains?
Plains has average high temperatures of 61.0°F and average lows of 41.6°F. Annual precipitation is 38.7". Average annual snowfall is 45.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Plains at a Glance
- Population
- 4,369
- Median Income
- $65,417
- Home Value
- $141,800
- Median Rent
- $950/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
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Pennsylvania Rankings
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