A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
3%
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 Northampton Pennsylvania National
Cost of living9997100
Groceries99100100
Health care10199100
Housing9790100
Transportation104101100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103100100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare101101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Northampton, PA

The cost of living in Northampton affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Northampton is 99, which is 1% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Northampton 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. Northampton 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 Northampton Affordable?

Is Northampton an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Northampton, the median home price is 7.5% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 7.8% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Northampton come in at $106,660, which is 31.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Northampton?

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Northampton, is 2.9% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Northampton comes in at 2.3% 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.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Northampton 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 Northampton is 3% higher than the Pennsylvania average
  • The cost of living in Northampton is 1% lower than the national average
  • Northampton housing is 3% 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 Northampton

See all the best places to live around Northampton

Compare Northampton, 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$128,293$10,691$2,993$3,849
      Renters$63,015$5,251$1,470$1,891
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Northampton, PA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Northampton, homeowners have a median income of $128,293. Using that number, a maximum of $2,993 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $63,015, which means there is a maximum of $1,470 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      DeSales University, PA954991.2%
      Weissport, PA4918515.2%
      Slatedale, PA5078613.5%
      Palmerton, PA5,528928.2%
      Lehighton, PA5,415928.2%
      Northampton, PA10,228990.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Westgate, FL10,2291022.3%
      Jesup, GA10,2299010.0%
      Clay, AL10,231963.7%
      Galion, OH10,2318218.0%
      Kapaa, HI10,23216867.8%
      Northampton, PA10,228990.5%
      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.