A+
0%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
0%
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 Elizabethtown Pennsylvania National
Cost of living10097100
Groceries101100100
Health care10099100
Housing10090100
Transportation100101100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment99100100
Household Items9999100
Education & Childcare102101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Elizabethtown, PA

Knowing the cost of living in Elizabethtown allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Elizabethtown stands at 100, marking it 0% equal to the national average.

The cost of living in Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown Affordable?

Wondering if Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown, for example, the median home price is 1.1% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 1.5% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Elizabethtown boasting a median household income of $90,055, which is 10.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Elizabethtown?

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

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.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Elizabethtown, the utilities index registers 2.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Elizabethtown are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Elizabethtown is 3% higher than the Pennsylvania average
  • The cost of living in Elizabethtown is equal to the national average
  • Elizabethtown housing is equal to 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 Elizabethtown

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Compare Elizabethtown, 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$124,101$10,342$2,895$3,723
      Renters$70,809$5,901$1,652$2,124
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Elizabethtown is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Elizabethtown has a median income of about $124,101 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,895 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $70,809. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,652 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      York, PA45,1088713.0%
      Valley View CDP (Schuylkill County), PA1,6248911.5%
      Lebanon, PA26,4848811.6%
      Enhaut, PA1,0928911.3%
      West York, PA4,7618910.7%
      Elizabethtown, PA11,6751000.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Gloucester City, NJ11,6741033.2%
      Campbellsville, KY11,6768911.2%
      Martensville, SK11,678n/a 
      Hudson, FL11,6711000.5%
      Beachwood, NJ11,67912222.2%
      Elizabethtown, PA11,6751000.0%
      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.