Cost of Living in Plum, PA
Population 26,873 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Plum can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $219,000 against $98,475 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Plum sits roughly 13 miles east of Pittsburgh. Median home values run roughly 13% higher than Pittsburgh's $193,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Plum
The median home value in Plum is $218,600 — 28% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,156/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $98,475/year is 32% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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 61.2°F and lows of 43.5°F. Overall, Plum has a cost of living index of 78 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% 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 Plum, PA?
Plum has a cost index of 78 (100 = national average). It is 22% below the national average.
What is average rent in Plum, PA?
The median gross rent in Plum is $1,156 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Plum?
The median home value in Plum is $218,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Plum?
The median household income in Plum is $98,475 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Plum, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Plum is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Plum, PA affordable?
Yes, Plum is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 78 — about 22% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Plum?
Plum 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.
Plum at a Glance
- Population
- 26,873
- Median Income
- $98,475
- Home Value
- $218,600
- Median Rent
- $1,156/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Pennsylvania Rankings
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