| Index | Darby | Pennsylvania | National |
| Cost of living | 91 | 97 | 100 |
| Groceries | 105 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 101 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 64 | 90 | 100 |
| Transportation | 106 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 110 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 102 | 101 | 100 |

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Darby 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 Darby is 91, which is 9% 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 Darby aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Darby residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.
Wondering if Darby 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 Darby, for example, the median home price is 57.5% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 13.9% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Darby boasting a median household income of $59,847, which is 26.4% lower than the national average.
Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Darby, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6%, and income tax rates start at 3.07%.
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 Darby, the transportation index is 5.6% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.
The cost of living data for Darby shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $86,202 | $7,184 | $2,011 | $2,586 |
| Renters | $41,532 | $3,461 | $969 | $1,246 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Pennsylvania | 6% | 8% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Pennsylvania | 3.07% | 3.07% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Cheyney University, PA | 198 | 99 | 0.8% |
| Tavistock, NJ | 5 | 111 | 10.6% |
| Arcadia University, PA | 609 | 100 | 0.1% |
| Prospect Park CDP, PA | 233 | 79 | 21.0% |
| Audubon Park, NJ | 1,003 | 92 | 7.9% |
| Darby, PA | 11,011 | 91 | 8.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Batesville, AR | 11,006 | 87 | 12.8% |
| Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot, QC | 11,017 | n/a | |
| Saltspring Island, BC | 11,001 | n/a | |
| Yazoo City, MS | 11,022 | 81 | 19.1% |
| Millington, TN | 11,024 | 90 | 9.6% |
| Darby, PA | 11,011 | 91 | 8.5% |