A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
43%
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 York Pennsylvania National
Cost of living8797100
Groceries101100100
Health care10099100
Housing5790100
Transportation100101100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment99100100
Household Items9999100
Education & Childcare102101100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in York, PA

The cost of living in York 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 York is 87, which is 13% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, York distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 43.2% below the national average. This indicates that both owning a home and renting in this area are notably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the nation. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of York can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.

Is York Affordable?

Is York 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 York is 57.5% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 9.8% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. York has a median household income of $53,149, which is 34.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in York?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In York, healthcare costs are 0.5% lower than the national average.

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 York, the housing index is 43.2% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In York, the general sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates begin at 3.07%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for York 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.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in York is 10% lower than the Pennsylvania average
  • The cost of living in York is 13% lower than the national average
  • York housing is 43% 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 York

See all the best places to live around York

Compare York, 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$79,690$6,641$1,859$2,391
      Renters$40,664$3,389$949$1,220
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in York is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. York has a median income of about $79,690 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,859 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $40,664. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $949 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Messiah College, PA2,118991.0%
      Jefferson borough (Greene County), PA2588812.2%
      Valley View CDP (Schuylkill County), PA1,6248911.5%
      Midway, PA1,0448911.3%
      New Salem CDP, PA4558911.2%
      York, PA45,1088713.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Channelview, TX45,083946.1%
      Concord, NH45,0761109.6%
      Cutler Bay, FL45,06812322.7%
      Altamonte Springs, FL45,0501066.3%
      El Centro, CA45,03711111.3%
      York, PA45,1088713.0%
      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.