A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
18%
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 Bloomsburg Pennsylvania National
Cost of living9597100
Groceries99100100
Health care9999100
Housing8290100
Transportation101101100
Utilities10299100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103100100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare98101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Bloomsburg, PA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Bloomsburg is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Bloomsburg is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Bloomsburg are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Bloomsburg can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Bloomsburg Affordable?

Wondering if Bloomsburg is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Bloomsburg, for example, the median home price is 17.6% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 18.9% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Bloomsburg boasting a median household income of $62,351, which is 23.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bloomsburg?

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 Bloomsburg, the housing index is 18% lower than the national average.

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.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Bloomsburg, the groceries index is 1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Bloomsburg are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Bloomsburg is 2% lower than the Pennsylvania average
  • The cost of living in Bloomsburg is 5% lower than the national average
  • Bloomsburg housing is 18% 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 Bloomsburg

See all the best places to live around Bloomsburg

Compare Bloomsburg, 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$101,537$8,461$2,369$3,046
      Renters$47,509$3,959$1,108$1,425
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Bloomsburg, PA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Bloomsburg, the median monthly income is $101,537 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,369 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $47,509, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,108 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Wilburton Number Two, PA791000.0%
      Centralia, PA01011.2%
      Slabtown, PA1621000.0%
      Strong, PA1991011.2%
      Shenandoah, PA4,9137821.8%
      Bloomsburg, PA14,338955.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lavaltrie, QC14,339n/a 
      Chicago Ridge, IL14,340991.3%
      Lakeland North, WA14,34213535.5%
      North Mankato, MN14,3441021.8%
      Hutchinson, MN14,331936.5%
      Bloomsburg, PA14,338955.4%
      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.