A+
17%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
59%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index McKeesport Pennsylvania National
Cost of living8397100
Groceries99100100
Health care10199100
Housing4190100
Transportation105101100
Utilities10499100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100100100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare104101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in McKeesport, PA

The cost of living in McKeesport affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in McKeesport is 83, which is 17% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that McKeesport stands out by reporting housing costs that are 59.4% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more affordable compared to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more manageable portion of their income to housing, resulting in greater financial flexibility.

Is McKeesport Affordable?

Is McKeesport an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in McKeesport, the median home price is 72.2% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 29.4% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in McKeesport come in at $42,556, which is 47.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in McKeesport?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In McKeesport, the housing index is 59.4% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In McKeesport, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6%, and the income tax rates commence at 3.07%.

Where is the Data From?

The McKeesport cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in McKeesport is 14% lower than the Pennsylvania average
  • The cost of living in McKeesport is 17% lower than the national average
  • McKeesport housing is 59% lower than the national average
  • Pennsylvania general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Pennsylvania state income tax is 18% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around McKeesport

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Compare McKeesport, PA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$62,460$5,205$1,457$1,874
      Renters$31,134$2,595$726$934
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in McKeesport, PA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in McKeesport have a median income of $62,460. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,457 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $31,134, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $726.

      Pennsylvania Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Pennsylvania 6% 8%

      Pennsylvania Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Pennsylvania 3.07% 3.07%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Van Voorhis, PA491991.2%
      Wyano, PA609991.2%
      Webster, PA80991.2%
      Harrison City, PA811021.8%
      North Braddock, PA4,8608118.8%
      McKeesport, PA19,6088316.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Stony Plain, AB19,599n/a 
      Carlisle, PA19,623991.1%
      North Amityville, NY19,62713332.5%
      Deerfield, IL19,65014646.1%
      Haslett, MI19,6511021.5%
      McKeesport, PA19,6088316.6%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.