A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
36%
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 Darby Pennsylvania National
Cost of living9197100
Groceries105100100
Health care10199100
Housing6490100
Transportation106101100
Utilities9999100
Lifestyle & Entertainment110100100
Household Items9999100
Education & Childcare102101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Darby, PA

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.

Is Darby Affordable?

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.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Darby?

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.

Where is the Data From?

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 Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Darby is 6% lower than the Pennsylvania average
  • The cost of living in Darby is 9% lower than the national average
  • Darby housing is 36% 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 Darby

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Compare Darby, 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$86,202$7,184$2,011$2,586
      Renters$41,532$3,461$969$1,246
      The affordability of the housing market in Darby, PA as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Darby homeowners, the median income is $86,202. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,011 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $41,532. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $969 for their rent related monthly 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.
      Cheyney University, PA198990.8%
      Tavistock, NJ511110.6%
      Arcadia University, PA6091000.1%
      Prospect Park CDP, PA2337921.0%
      Audubon Park, NJ1,003927.9%
      Darby, PA11,011918.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Batesville, AR11,0068712.8%
      Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot, QC11,017n/a 
      Saltspring Island, BC11,001n/a 
      Yazoo City, MS11,0228119.1%
      Millington, TN11,024909.6%
      Darby, PA11,011918.5%
      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.