Cost of Living in St. Marys, PA
Population 12,612 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
St. Marys offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $144,000 — costs less than 2.2 times median household income of $64,471, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. At 8.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, St. Marys lies roughly 100 miles south of the nearest major metro, Buffalo. Housing prices track closely with Buffalo's $152,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in St. Marys
The median home value in St. Marys is $143,900 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $756/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,471/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.5%, 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 55.8°F and lows of 35.9°F. Overall, St. Marys has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% 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 | 31 | 33 | 42 | 56 | 68 | 75 | 79 | 77 | 70 | 58 | 46 | 35 |
| Low °F | 16 | 16 | 24 | 34 | 43 | 52 | 55 | 54 | 48 | 38 | 30 | 22 |
| Precip" | 2.72 | 2.08 | 3.04 | 3.55 | 4.21 | 4.18 | 4.16 | 3.91 | 3.65 | 3.99 | 3.20 | 3.17 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in St. Marys, PA?
St. Marys has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.
What is average rent in St. Marys, PA?
The median gross rent in St. Marys is $756 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in St. Marys?
The median home value in St. Marys is $143,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in St. Marys?
The median household income in St. Marys is $64,471 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in St. Marys, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in St. Marys is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is St. Marys, PA affordable?
Yes, St. Marys is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in St. Marys?
St. Marys has average high temperatures of 55.8°F and average lows of 35.9°F. Annual precipitation is 41.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
St. Marys at a Glance
- Population
- 12,612
- Median Income
- $64,471
- Home Value
- $143,900
- Median Rent
- $756/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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