| Index | Wilkinsburg | Pennsylvania | National |
| Cost of living | 91 | 97 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 101 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 65 | 90 | 100 |
| Transportation | 105 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 104 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 104 | 101 | 100 |

Understanding the cost of living in Wilkinsburg 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 Wilkinsburg cost of living index is 91, which is 9% 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.
The cost of living in Wilkinsburg closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Wilkinsburg can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Is Wilkinsburg affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Wilkinsburg, for instance, where the median home price falls 47.6% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 7.3% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Wilkinsburg flaunting a median household income of $56,932, 30% lower than the national norm.
Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Wilkinsburg, the transportation index is 5% higher than the national average.
Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Wilkinsburg, the utilities index stands at 3.6% higher than the national average.
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.
The cost of living data for Wilkinsburg 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 index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $81,643 | $6,804 | $1,905 | $2,450 |
| Renters | $47,324 | $3,944 | $1,104 | $1,420 |
| 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. |
| Harrison City, PA | 81 | 102 | 1.8% |
| North Braddock, PA | 4,860 | 81 | 18.8% |
| Duquesne, PA | 5,736 | 82 | 17.7% |
| Rankin, PA | 2,002 | 83 | 17.4% |
| Edgewood CDP, PA | 2,521 | 83 | 17.4% |
| Wilkinsburg, PA | 15,913 | 91 | 9.4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Middleburg Heights, OH | 15,913 | 95 | 5.3% |
| Frankfort, IN | 15,906 | 84 | 16.0% |
| Welby, CO | 15,922 | 117 | 17.0% |
| Powder Springs, GA | 15,899 | 103 | 3.1% |
| Comox, BC | 15,938 | n/a | |
| Wilkinsburg, PA | 15,913 | 91 | 9.4% |