A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
41%
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 Berwick Pennsylvania National
Cost of living8897100
Groceries99100100
Health care9999100
Housing5990100
Transportation101101100
Utilities10299100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103100100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare98101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Berwick, PA

The cost of living in Berwick 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 Berwick is 88, which is 12% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, Berwick distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 40.8% below the national average. This indicates that both owning a home and renting in this area are notably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the nation. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Berwick can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.

Is Berwick Affordable?

Is Berwick 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 Berwick is 42.7% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 36.4% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Berwick has a median household income of $64,332, which is 20.9% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Berwick?

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Berwick, the transportation index is 0.7% higher than the national average.

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 Berwick, the housing index is 40.8% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Berwick 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 Berwick is 9% lower than the Pennsylvania average
  • The cost of living in Berwick is 12% lower than the national average
  • Berwick housing is 41% 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 Berwick

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Compare Berwick, PA Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$84,325$7,027$1,967$2,530
      Renters$38,944$3,245$909$1,168
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Berwick, PA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Berwick homeowners, is $84,325. This would allow for a maximum of $1,967 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $38,944 which would result in a maximum of $909 to be spent on rental 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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Slabtown, PA1621000.0%
      Delano, PA2257722.5%
      Weston, PA3258416.0%
      Glen Lyon, PA2,9918515.5%
      McAdoo, PA2,7288515.3%
      Berwick, PA10,2748812.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Linganore, MD10,26814140.7%
      Birch Bay, WA10,26512121.3%
      Alpena, MI10,2618316.9%
      Paris, TN10,2608613.7%
      Holmen, WI10,2911021.7%
      Berwick, PA10,2748812.2%
      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.