| Index | Harrisburg | Pennsylvania | National |
| Cost of living | 87 | 97 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 60 | 90 | 100 |
| Transportation | 100 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 97 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 97 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 101 | 101 | 100 |
Knowing the cost of living in Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg stands at 87, marking it 13% lower than the national average.
When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 17 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Harrisburg. The results indicated that 12% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 88% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.
Wondering if Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg, for example, the median home price is 51.8% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 11.8% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Harrisburg boasting a median household income of $62,723, which is 22.9% lower 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.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Harrisburg, the utilities index is 2.6% lower than the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.
The Harrisburg 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 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 | $85,973 | $7,164 | $2,006 | $2,579 |
| Renters | $48,394 | $4,033 | $1,129 | $1,452 |
| 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. |
| Messiah College, PA | 2,118 | 99 | 1.0% |
| New Buffalo, PA | 144 | 88 | 11.7% |
| Enhaut, PA | 1,092 | 89 | 11.3% |
| Duncannon, PA | 1,347 | 89 | 11.0% |
| Penbrook, PA | 3,073 | 89 | 10.9% |
| Harrisburg, PA | 50,810 | 87 | 12.6% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Murray, UT | 50,780 | 117 | 17.2% |
| Wilson, NC | 50,769 | 93 | 6.9% |
| Cerritos, CA | 50,765 | 186 | 85.9% |
| West Lafayette, IN | 50,904 | 103 | 2.8% |
| Haldimand County, ON | 50,912 | n/a | |
| Harrisburg, PA | 50,810 | 87 | 12.6% |
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