A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
9%
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 Plum Pennsylvania National
Cost of living9997100
Groceries99100100
Health care10199100
Housing9190100
Transportation105101100
Utilities10499100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100100100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare104101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Plum, PA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Plum? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Plum stands at 99, making it 1% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

In Plum, 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 Plum will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Plum Affordable?

Is Plum affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Plum, the median home price is 12.8% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 0.1% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Plum boasting a median household income of $123,683, 52.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Plum?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Plum, healthcare costs are 1.3% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Plum, the groceries index is 0.6% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Plum, the transportation index is 5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Plum cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Plum is 2% higher than the Pennsylvania average
  • The cost of living in Plum is 1% lower than the national average
  • Plum housing is 9% 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 Plum

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Compare Plum, 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$138,528$11,544$3,232$4,156
      Renters$78,938$6,578$1,842$2,368
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Plum, 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 Plum, homeowners have a median income of $138,528. Using that number, a maximum of $3,232 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $78,938, which means there is a maximum of $1,842 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.
      Crabtree, PA1061021.8%
      Harrison City, PA811021.8%
      North Braddock, PA4,8608118.8%
      Duquesne, PA5,7368217.7%
      Rankin, PA2,0028317.4%
      Plum, PA28,078991.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Citrus Park, FL28,08511717.4%
      Wakefield, MA28,06115857.8%
      Lake Jackson, TX28,0601033.5%
      Glen Cove, NY28,05715655.9%
      Gladstone, MO28,101936.5%
      Plum, PA28,078991.5%
      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.