Cost of Living in Trafford, PA

Population 3,247 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

59
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Trafford 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. An unemployment rate of 3.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Trafford sits roughly 12 miles east of Pittsburgh — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 26% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 47
Rent 77

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Trafford

The median home value in Trafford is $143,200 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,010/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,874/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, 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 61.2°F and lows of 43.5°F. Overall, Trafford has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$143,200
53% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$230,760
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,010/mo
23% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$779
1 BR
$871
2 BR
$1,065
3 BR
$1,337
4 BR
$1,547
Owner-occupied 74.5%
Renter-occupied 25.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,010
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,624/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
29.3 min
9% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.8%
Carpooled
6.3%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
2.9%
Work from home
13.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 3.1%
Total Sales Tax 6.3%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.3%
Property Tax 1.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$62,874
16% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,359
Unemployment Rate
3.0%
39% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.0%
Labor Force Participation
63.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.2%
Graduate degree 12.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.6
Male median age 37.4
Female median age 39.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.2°F
Avg Low
43.5°F
Annual Precip
41.3"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 374049637279838175635141
Low °F 222431425260646356453528
Precip" 3.082.573.223.404.084.583.933.813.543.063.033.04

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
76.2%
Good air days/yr
133
Max AQI recorded
119
PM2.5 days
179
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Trafford, PA?

Trafford has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.

What is average rent in Trafford, PA?

The median gross rent in Trafford is $1,010 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Trafford?

The median home value in Trafford is $143,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Trafford?

The median household income in Trafford is $62,874 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Trafford, PA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Trafford is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.

Is Trafford, PA affordable?

Yes, Trafford 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 Trafford?

Trafford has average high temperatures of 61.2°F and average lows of 43.5°F. Annual precipitation is 41.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Trafford at a Glance

Population
3,247
Median Income
$62,874
Home Value
$143,200
Median Rent
$1,010/mo
Unemployment
3.0%
Avg High Temp
61.2°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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