| Index | Pottsville | Pennsylvania | National |
| Cost of living | 86 | 97 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 101 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 52 | 90 | 100 |
| Transportation | 102 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 104 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 102 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 103 | 101 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Pottsville 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 Pottsville cost of living index is 86, which is 14% 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.
It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that Pottsville stands out by reporting housing costs that are 47.9% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more affordable compared to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more manageable portion of their income to housing, resulting in greater financial flexibility.
Is Pottsville an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Pottsville is 57.9% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 24.4% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Pottsville has a median household income of $57,180, which is 29.7% lower than the national average.
Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, 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 farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.
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 Pottsville comes in at 0.7% lower than the national average.
Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.
The cost of living data for Pottsville 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.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $90,454 | $7,538 | $2,110 | $2,714 |
| Renters | $34,906 | $2,909 | $814 | $1,047 |
| 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. |
| Centralia, PA | 0 | 101 | 1.2% |
| Bethel, PA | 514 | 101 | 1.2% |
| Deer Lake CDP, PA | 472 | 101 | 1.2% |
| Strong, PA | 199 | 101 | 1.2% |
| Wilburton Number Two, PA | 79 | 100 | 0.0% |
| Pottsville, PA | 13,838 | 86 | 13.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| St. James, NY | 13,838 | 148 | 47.9% |
| Bonnyville No. 87, AB | 13,832 | n/a | |
| Trent Hills, ON | 13,844 | n/a | |
| Lone Tree, CO | 13,829 | 170 | 70.0% |
| Washington, PA | 13,848 | 88 | 12.4% |
| Pottsville, PA | 13,838 | 86 | 13.5% |
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