Cost of Living in Swarthmore, PA
Population 6,524 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Swarthmore's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $558,000 for a typical home, 83% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $146,992 that put it in the upper third of the state. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 14 miles southwest of Philadelphia, Swarthmore falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 140% higher than Philadelphia's $232,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Swarthmore
The median home value in Swarthmore is $557,900 — 83% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,493/month, 14% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $146,992/year is 97% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.3%, 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 65.2°F and lows of 47.3°F, with about 23.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Swarthmore has a cost of living index of 155 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% more expensive.
Swarthmore 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 | 88 | 86 | 79 | 67 | 56 | 46 |
| Low °F | 26 | 28 | 34 | 44 | 54 | 64 | 70 | 68 | 61 | 49 | 39 | 31 |
| Precip" | 3.13 | 2.75 | 3.96 | 3.47 | 3.34 | 4.04 | 4.38 | 4.29 | 4.40 | 3.47 | 2.91 | 3.97 |
| Snow" | 7.1 | 8.4 | 3.6 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 3.5 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Swarthmore, PA?
Swarthmore has a cost index of 155 (100 = national average). It is 55% above the national average.
What is average rent in Swarthmore, PA?
The median gross rent in Swarthmore is $1,493 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Swarthmore?
The median home value in Swarthmore is $557,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Swarthmore?
The median household income in Swarthmore is $146,992 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Swarthmore, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Swarthmore is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Swarthmore, PA affordable?
Swarthmore is above average in cost of living, with an index of 155 — about 55% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Swarthmore?
Swarthmore has average high temperatures of 65.2°F and average lows of 47.3°F. Annual precipitation is 44.1". Average annual snowfall is 23.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Swarthmore at a Glance
- Population
- 6,524
- Median Income
- $146,992
- Home Value
- $557,900
- Median Rent
- $1,493/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 65.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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