Cost of Living in State College, PA
Population 40,669 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $47,132, median household incomes in State College land roughly 37% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 39% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 115 miles east of Pittsburgh, State College is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 114% higher than Pittsburgh's $193,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in State College
The median home value in State College is $414,400 — 36% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,229/month, 6% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,132/year is 37% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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 59.1°F and lows of 38.4°F. Overall, State College has a cost of living index of 119 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% more 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 | 34 | 38 | 47 | 60 | 70 | 78 | 82 | 81 | 73 | 62 | 49 | 38 |
| Low °F | 18 | 19 | 26 | 36 | 46 | 55 | 59 | 57 | 50 | 40 | 31 | 23 |
| Precip" | 2.81 | 2.33 | 3.13 | 3.90 | 3.68 | 4.37 | 3.60 | 3.46 | 3.81 | 3.15 | 3.17 | 2.93 |
💨 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 State College, PA?
State College has a cost index of 119 (100 = national average). It is 19% above the national average.
What is average rent in State College, PA?
The median gross rent in State College is $1,229 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in State College?
The median home value in State College is $414,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in State College?
The median household income in State College is $47,132 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in State College, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in State College is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is State College, PA affordable?
State College is above average in cost of living, with an index of 119 — about 19% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in State College?
State College has average high temperatures of 59.1°F and average lows of 38.4°F. Annual precipitation is 40.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
State College at a Glance
- Population
- 40,669
- Median Income
- $47,132
- Home Value
- $414,400
- Median Rent
- $1,229/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Pennsylvania Rankings
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