Cost of Living in Wilson, PA

Population 8,196 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

75
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Wilson can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $192,000 against $80,928 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.

Geographically, Wilson sits roughly 14 miles east of Allentown. Housing prices track closely with Allentown's $189,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 63
Rent 92

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

About the Cost of Living in Wilson

The median home value in Wilson is $191,800 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,211/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $80,928/year is 9% higher 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 63.3°F and lows of 42.8°F, with about 33.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Wilson has a cost of living index of 75 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$191,800
37% below avg
Median Rent
$1,211/mo
8% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.2x
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 60.8%
Renter-occupied 39.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,211
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,825/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
31.3 min
16% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.5%
Carpooled
9.0%
Public transit
3.8%
Walked
2.4%
Work from home
9.8%

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
$80,928
9% above avg
Per Capita Income
$33,802
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
6% below avg
Poverty Rate
11.2%
Labor Force Participation
67.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.8%
Graduate degree 6.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.5
Male median age 34.5
Female median age 38.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.3°F
Avg Low
42.8°F
Annual Precip
47.4"
Annual Snowfall
33.1"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 384251637482868477665443
Low °F 222331405160656355443427
Precip" 3.302.773.633.673.654.405.304.564.844.143.243.86
Snow" 9.810.86.30.50.00.00.00.00.00.20.94.6

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
57.7%
Good air days/yr
368
Max AQI recorded
227
PM2.5 days
135
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wilson, PA?

Wilson has a cost index of 75 (100 = national average). It is 25% below the national average.

What is average rent in Wilson, PA?

The median gross rent in Wilson is $1,211 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Wilson?

The median home value in Wilson is $191,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Wilson?

The median household income in Wilson is $80,928 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Wilson, PA?

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

Is Wilson, PA affordable?

Yes, Wilson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 75 — about 25% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Wilson?

Wilson has average high temperatures of 63.3°F and average lows of 42.8°F. Annual precipitation is 47.4". Average annual snowfall is 33.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Wilson at a Glance

Population
8,196
Median Income
$80,928
Home Value
$191,800
Median Rent
$1,211/mo
Unemployment
4.5%
Avg High Temp
63.3°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
View all cities in Pennsylvania →
🗺️ County data for Pennsylvania

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs