A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Carlisle Pennsylvania National
Cost of living9997100
Groceries99100100
Health care9999100
Housing9990100
Transportation100101100
Utilities9799100
Lifestyle & Entertainment97100100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare101101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Carlisle, PA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Carlisle 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 Carlisle is 99, which is 1% 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.

The cost of living in Carlisle closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Carlisle can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Carlisle Affordable?

Is Carlisle 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 Carlisle, the median home price is 2% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 9.3% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Carlisle boasting a median household income of $72,740, 10.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Carlisle?

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 Carlisle, the housing index is 1.4% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Carlisle, healthcare costs are 1.5% lower than the national average.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Carlisle, the transportation index is 0.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Carlisle 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 Carlisle is 2% higher than the Pennsylvania average
  • The cost of living in Carlisle is 1% lower than the national average
  • Carlisle housing is 1% 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 Carlisle

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Compare Carlisle, 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$119,214$9,935$2,781$3,577
      Renters$54,666$4,556$1,275$1,640
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Carlisle, 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 Carlisle homeowners, is $119,214. This would allow for a maximum of $2,781 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $54,666 which would result in a maximum of $1,275 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.
      Messiah College, PA2,118991.0%
      Plainfield, PA2898911.4%
      Duncannon, PA1,3478911.0%
      Landisburg, PA187909.9%
      Mount Holly Springs, PA2,095909.7%
      Carlisle, PA19,623991.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      North Amityville, NY19,62713332.5%
      McKeesport, PA19,6088316.6%
      Stony Plain, AB19,599n/a 
      Deerfield, IL19,65014646.1%
      Haslett, MI19,6511021.5%
      Carlisle, PA19,623991.1%
      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.