Cost of Living Comparison for Scranton, PA
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Scranton's cost of living index is 85 — 15% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
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How Scranton Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Scranton stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Scranton, PA | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $155,000 | $420,800 | -63.2% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,000 | $1,713 | -41.6% |
| Median Household Income | $52,400 | $74,580 | -29.7% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.50% | 1.10% | +36.4% |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Scranton Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 560,000
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Avg Commute
- 22 min
- Median Age
- 40
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 12.9x
- Annual Property Tax
- $2,325
Cost of Living Comparison in Other Pennsylvania Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Scranton
What is the median home price in Scranton, PA?
The median home price in Scranton is $155,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Scranton?
Median monthly rent in Scranton is $1,000. That works out to $12,000/year, or 23% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Scranton affordable?
Scranton's cost of living index is 85 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $52,400/year and a median home price of $155,000, the price-to-income ratio is 3.0x. Scranton remains relatively affordable compared to many US metros.
What is the property tax rate in Scranton?
The effective property tax rate in Scranton is 1.50% of assessed value. On the median home of $155,000, that's roughly $2,325/year ($194/month).