A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
43%
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 Butler Pennsylvania National
Cost of living8897100
Groceries99100100
Health care10199100
Housing5790100
Transportation105101100
Utilities10499100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100100100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare104101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Butler, PA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Butler 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 Butler is 88, which is 12% 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.

Housing expenses can absorb a substantial portion of your net income, sometimes exceeding 30%. Thankfully, Butler stands out by reporting housing costs that are 43.5% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Butler can allocate a more reasonable portion of their income to housing, allowing for greater financial flexibility.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Butler?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 6 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Butler. The results indicated that 0% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 100% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Butler Affordable?

Is Butler affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Butler, the median home price is 48.4% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 32% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Butler boasting a median household income of $48,460, 40.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Butler?

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 Butler, the utilities index is 3.6% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Butler, healthcare costs are 1.3% higher than the national average.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Butler, the housing index is 43.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Butler 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 Butler is 9% lower than the Pennsylvania average
  • The cost of living in Butler is 12% lower than the national average
  • Butler housing is 43% 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 Butler

See all the best places to live around Butler

Compare Butler, PA Cost of Living

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      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle 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$92,578$7,715$2,160$2,778
      Renters$31,515$2,626$735$946
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Butler, 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 Butler homeowners, is $92,578. This would allow for a maximum of $2,160 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $31,515 which would result in a maximum of $735 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.
      Slippery Rock University, PA2,583945.8%
      Lake Arthur Estates, PA4766832.1%
      Unionville, PA6318515.1%
      Petrolia, PA1868713.2%
      Freeport, PA1,8698712.9%
      Butler, PA13,3958811.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sharon, PA13,3887921.3%
      New Kingman-Butler, AZ13,3858812.1%
      El Dorado, KS13,4058415.9%
      Annapolis Neck, MD13,40617070.4%
      Las Vegas, NM13,4068712.9%
      Butler, PA13,3958811.8%
      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.