Cost of Living in Scranton, PA
Population 76,074 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Scranton lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $142,000 — 54% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Pennsylvania. Around 22% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 55 miles north of Allentown, Scranton is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. 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 Scranton
The median home value in Scranton is $141,700 — 54% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $991/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,531/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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, Scranton has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% 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 | 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 |
💨 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 Scranton, PA?
Scranton has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.
What is average rent in Scranton, PA?
The median gross rent in Scranton is $991 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Scranton?
The median home value in Scranton is $141,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Scranton?
The median household income in Scranton is $49,531 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Scranton, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Scranton is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Scranton, PA affordable?
Yes, Scranton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Scranton?
Scranton 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.
Scranton at a Glance
- Population
- 76,074
- Median Income
- $49,531
- Home Value
- $141,700
- Median Rent
- $991/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Pennsylvania Rankings
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