| Index | State College | Pennsylvania | National |
| Cost of living | 119 | 97 | 100 |
| Groceries | 97 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 165 | 90 | 100 |
| Transportation | 102 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 99 | 101 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in State College? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in State College stands at 119, making it 19% higher 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.
When it comes to the cost of living in State College, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 65.2% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.
The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 6 locals to get their views on the cost of living in State College. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 0% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 100% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.
Wondering if State College 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 State College, for example, the median home price is 88% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 11.9% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with State College boasting a median household income of $57,652, which is 29.1% lower than the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.
Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In State College, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6%, and the income tax rates commence at 3.07%.
Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In State College, the housing index is 65.2% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for State College are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $173,820 | $14,485 | $4,056 | $5,215 |
| Renters | $40,645 | $3,387 | $948 | $1,219 |
| 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. |
| Baileyville, PA | 90 | 99 | 0.9% |
| Barrville, PA | 188 | 99 | 0.9% |
| Hublersburg, PA | 203 | 99 | 0.9% |
| Potlicker Flats, PA | 277 | 82 | 18.2% |
| Juniata Terrace, PA | 610 | 83 | 17.4% |
| State College, PA | 43,467 | 119 | 18.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Midland, MI | 43,447 | 94 | 6.0% |
| Linden, NJ | 43,551 | 125 | 24.8% |
| Mankato, MN | 43,578 | 101 | 0.9% |
| Apache Junction, AZ | 43,334 | 93 | 7.1% |
| West Babylon, NY | 43,319 | 137 | 37.1% |
| State College, PA | 43,467 | 119 | 18.9% |
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