A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
25%
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 Kingston Pennsylvania National
Cost of living9397100
Groceries99100100
Health care9999100
Housing7590100
Transportation101101100
Utilities10299100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103100100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare98101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Kingston, PA

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.

Is Kingston Affordable?

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.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Kingston?

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%.

Where is the Data From?

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 Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Kingston is 5% lower than the Pennsylvania average
  • The cost of living in Kingston is 7% lower than the national average
  • Kingston housing is 25% 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 Kingston

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Compare Kingston, 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$114,700$9,558$2,676$3,441
      Renters$41,442$3,454$967$1,243
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Kingston, PA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Kingston have a median income of $114,700. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,676 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $41,442, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $967.

      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.
      Plymouth, PA5,9868415.7%
      Ashley, PA2,8238415.7%
      Glen Lyon, PA2,9918515.5%
      Shickshinny, PA6378514.9%
      Nanticoke, PA10,6078614.4%
      Kingston, PA13,206937.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Verde Village, AZ13,2031087.6%
      Cypress Lake, FL13,2091054.8%
      Elfers, FL13,209946.4%
      Wellington North, ON13,212n/a 
      Joppatowne, MD13,21711717.0%
      Kingston, PA13,206937.5%
      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.