Cost of Living in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Population 44,217 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Wilkes-Barre's median household income of $47,970 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (21% here). At 8.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Wilkes-Barre is about 50 miles northwest of Allentown, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Allentown's $189,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Wilkes-Barre
The median home value in Wilkes-Barre is $108,000 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $939/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,970/year is 36% lower 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 61.0°F and lows of 41.6°F, with about 45.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Wilkes-Barre has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% 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 | 36 | 39 | 48 | 61 | 72 | 80 | 85 | 82 | 75 | 63 | 51 | 40 |
| Low °F | 20 | 22 | 29 | 39 | 50 | 58 | 63 | 61 | 54 | 43 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 2.59 | 2.07 | 2.77 | 3.26 | 3.26 | 3.80 | 3.61 | 3.85 | 4.15 | 3.71 | 2.85 | 2.80 |
| Snow" | 11.7 | 10.9 | 10.1 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 3.2 | 7.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Wilkes-Barre has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.
What is average rent in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median gross rent in Wilkes-Barre is $939 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wilkes-Barre?
The median home value in Wilkes-Barre is $108,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Wilkes-Barre?
The median household income in Wilkes-Barre is $47,970 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wilkes-Barre is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Wilkes-Barre, PA affordable?
Yes, Wilkes-Barre is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Wilkes-Barre?
Wilkes-Barre has average high temperatures of 61.0°F and average lows of 41.6°F. Annual precipitation is 38.7". Average annual snowfall is 45.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Wilkes-Barre at a Glance
- Population
- 44,217
- Median Income
- $47,970
- Home Value
- $108,000
- Median Rent
- $939/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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