| Index | Kingston | Pennsylvania | National |
| Cost of living | 93 | 97 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 75 | 90 | 100 |
| Transportation | 101 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 102 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 103 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 98 | 101 | 100 |

Understanding the cost of living in Kingston can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Kingston cost of living index is 93, which is 7% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
In Kingston, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Kingston will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Wondering if Kingston 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 Kingston, for example, the median home price is 29.9% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 13.6% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Kingston boasting a median household income of $74,004, which is 9% 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.
Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Kingston, the housing index comes in at 25.1% lower than the national average.
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 Kingston, the general sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates begin at 3.07%.
The cost of living data for Kingston 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 | $114,700 | $9,558 | $2,676 | $3,441 |
| Renters | $41,442 | $3,454 | $967 | $1,243 |
| 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. |
| Plymouth, PA | 5,986 | 84 | 15.7% |
| Ashley, PA | 2,823 | 84 | 15.7% |
| Glen Lyon, PA | 2,991 | 85 | 15.5% |
| Shickshinny, PA | 637 | 85 | 14.9% |
| Nanticoke, PA | 10,607 | 86 | 14.4% |
| Kingston, PA | 13,206 | 93 | 7.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Verde Village, AZ | 13,203 | 108 | 7.6% |
| Cypress Lake, FL | 13,209 | 105 | 4.8% |
| Elfers, FL | 13,209 | 94 | 6.4% |
| Wellington North, ON | 13,212 | n/a | |
| Joppatowne, MD | 13,217 | 117 | 17.0% |
| Kingston, PA | 13,206 | 93 | 7.5% |