A-
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
14%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Chambersburg Pennsylvania National
Cost of living9998100
Goods & Services10399100
Groceries10599100
Health care9894100
Housing8691100
Transportation101106100
Utilities111107100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Chambersburg, PA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Chambersburg 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 Chambersburg 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 Chambersburg closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Chambersburg 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 Chambersburg Affordable?

Is Chambersburg affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Chambersburg, for instance, where the median home price falls 15.1% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 11% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Chambersburg flaunting a median household income of $46,924, 15.2% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Chambersburg?

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 Chambersburg, the housing index is 13.8% 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.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Chambersburg, the general sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates begin at 3.07%.

Where is the Data From?

The Chambersburg cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Chambersburg is 1% higher than the Pennsylvania average
  • The cost of living in Chambersburg is 1% lower than the national average
  • Chambersburg housing is 14% 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 Chambersburg

See all the best places to live around Chambersburg

Compare Chambersburg, PA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$62,624$5,219$1,461$1,879
      Renters$40,703$3,392$950$1,221
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Chambersburg, 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 Chambersburg, the median monthly income is $62,624 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,461 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $40,703, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $950 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Chambersburg National avg. Difference
      Haircut $28.33$24.2616.8%
      Beauty Salon $58.17$45.5627.7%
      Toothpaste $3.69$3.700.3%
      Shampoo $1.44$1.2812.7%
      Movie $13.69$12.1312.9%
      Bowling $23.03$18.0027.9%

      Groceries

      Item Chambersburg National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.23$5.846.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.39$1.5711.4%
      Milk $4.73$4.671.2%
      Potatoes $5.46$4.9310.7%
      Pizza $13.24$12.099.5%
      Beer $10.36$10.410.5%

      Health Care

      Item Chambersburg National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $114.22$125.689.1%
      Doctor $133.22$135.781.9%
      Dentist $117.22$113.293.5%
      Ibuprofen $11.10$10.654.2%
      Lipitor $401.39$468.6014.3%

      Housing

      Item Chambersburg National avg. Difference
      Home Price $156,900.00$184,700.0015.1%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,906.29$2,346.6918.8%
      Apartment Rent $845.00$949.0011.0%

      Transportation

      Item Chambersburg National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.46$3.460.1%
      Tire Balancing $62.66$59.924.6%

      Utilities

      Item Chambersburg National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $223.91$193.9915.4%
      Phone $199.62$192.253.8%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Shippensburg University, PA1,8871043.9%
      Newburg borough (Clearfield County), PA938317.1%
      Rouzerville, PA746937.2%
      Shippensburg, PA5,621955.4%
      Orrstown, PA342955.1%
      Chambersburg, PA21,017991.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Eustis, FL21,010955.1%
      Holiday, FL21,0068713.2%
      Lakeside, CA21,03214444.0%
      Harvey, LA20,992955.3%
      Shenandoah, LA21,0451088.1%
      Chambersburg, PA21,017991.4%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.