Cost of Living in Rutherford, PA

Population 6,982 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

75
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Rutherford can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $189,000 against $77,306 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.

Rutherford is about 70 miles north of Baltimore, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than Baltimore's $219,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 62
Rent 93

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Rutherford

The median home value in Rutherford is $189,300 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,228/month, 7% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $77,306/year is 4% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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 63.6°F and lows of 45.0°F, with about 29.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Rutherford has a cost of living index of 75 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$189,300
38% below avg
Median Rent
$1,228/mo
7% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$779
1 BR
$871
2 BR
$1,065
3 BR
$1,337
4 BR
$1,547
Owner-occupied 70.4%
Renter-occupied 29.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,228
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,842/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
20.8 min
23% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.5%
Carpooled
4.4%
Work from home
15.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 3.1%
Total Sales Tax 6.3%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.3%
Property Tax 1.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$77,306
4% above avg
Per Capita Income
$34,133
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
1% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.1%
Labor Force Participation
66.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.3%
Graduate degree 6.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.9
Male median age 33.7
Female median age 38.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.6°F
Avg Low
45.0°F
Annual Precip
44.2"
Annual Snowfall
29.9"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 394251647482878578665443
Low °F 232532435363686658463628
Precip" 3.032.593.703.553.833.984.743.774.833.812.973.43
Snow" 9.19.45.60.40.00.00.00.00.00.20.84.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 52 — Moderate
46.3%
Good air days/yr
255
Max AQI recorded
251
PM2.5 days
114
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Rutherford, PA?

Rutherford has a cost index of 75 (100 = national average). It is 25% below the national average.

What is average rent in Rutherford, PA?

The median gross rent in Rutherford is $1,228 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Rutherford?

The median home value in Rutherford is $189,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Rutherford?

The median household income in Rutherford is $77,306 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Rutherford, PA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rutherford is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.

Is Rutherford, PA affordable?

Yes, Rutherford is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 75 — about 25% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Rutherford?

Rutherford has average high temperatures of 63.6°F and average lows of 45.0°F. Annual precipitation is 44.2". Average annual snowfall is 29.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Rutherford at a Glance

Population
6,982
Median Income
$77,306
Home Value
$189,300
Median Rent
$1,228/mo
Unemployment
4.8%
Avg High Temp
63.6°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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