D-
26%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
77%
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 Ardmore Pennsylvania National
Cost of living12697100
Groceries105100100
Health care10199100
Housing17790100
Transportation106101100
Utilities9999100
Lifestyle & Entertainment110100100
Household Items9999100
Education & Childcare102101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Ardmore, PA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Ardmore? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Ardmore stands at 126, making it 26% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Ardmore is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Ardmore falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Ardmore cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 77.3% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Ardmore Affordable?

Is Ardmore an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Ardmore is 86.2% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 56.6% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Ardmore has a median household income of $151,083, which is 85.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Ardmore?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Ardmore, the utilities index is 1.4% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Ardmore, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates kick off at 3.07%.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Ardmore cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Ardmore is 29% higher than the Pennsylvania average
  • The cost of living in Ardmore is 26% higher than the national average
  • Ardmore housing is 77% higher 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 Ardmore

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Compare Ardmore, 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$203,606$16,967$4,750$6,109
      Renters$94,987$7,916$2,216$2,850
      The affordability of the housing market in Ardmore, PA as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Ardmore homeowners, the median income is $203,606. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $4,750 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $94,987. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $2,216 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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%

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      Ardmore, PA13,88212625.5%

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      Ardmore, PA13,88212625.5%
      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.