Cost of Living in Shippensburg, PA
Population 5,811 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Shippensburg sits on the smaller end of the Pennsylvania city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Geographically, Shippensburg is about 70 miles northwest of Columbia, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 66% lower than Columbia's $480,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Shippensburg
The median home value in Shippensburg is $163,200 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $898/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,344/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, 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 64.4°F and lows of 46.4°F. Overall, Shippensburg has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.
Shippensburg 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 | 41 | 44 | 53 | 65 | 74 | 83 | 87 | 85 | 78 | 66 | 54 | 44 |
| Low °F | 25 | 27 | 34 | 44 | 55 | 64 | 68 | 66 | 59 | 47 | 37 | 30 |
| Precip" | 2.46 | 1.97 | 3.04 | 3.33 | 3.55 | 3.36 | 2.94 | 2.90 | 3.83 | 2.76 | 2.63 | 2.83 |
💨 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 Shippensburg, PA?
Shippensburg has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Shippensburg, PA?
The median gross rent in Shippensburg is $898 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Shippensburg?
The median home value in Shippensburg is $163,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Shippensburg?
The median household income in Shippensburg is $52,344 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Shippensburg, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Shippensburg is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Shippensburg, PA affordable?
Yes, Shippensburg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Shippensburg?
Shippensburg has average high temperatures of 64.4°F and average lows of 46.4°F. Annual precipitation is 35.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Shippensburg at a Glance
- Population
- 5,811
- Median Income
- $52,344
- Home Value
- $163,200
- Median Rent
- $898/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Pennsylvania Rankings
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