Pennsylvania is a state in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, and Appalachian regions of America.
This state borders Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Lake Erie, Ontario, New York, and New Jersey.
Pennsylvania is the 33rd-largest state by area and the 5th-most populous state with a total population of 13,011,844.
Today, this state is very popular for its industrial and farming works.
In fact, Pennsylvania is one of the state’s most influential industrial bases for coal, steel, and, even more, railroads.
Also, this state is famous for its leading mushroom production, which reaches 425 million pounds per year with a value of more than $350 million.
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The Cost of Living in This State
We are all wondering how much is the price of the cost of living here.
Is it too expensive, or is it much affordable than in other states?
So, in the text below, we will start with the actual cost of living in Pennsylvania, and in the end, we will take a look at some of the most expensive cities for living here.
Fortunately, living in Pennsylvania is less costly than is on standard across America.
Accordingly, goods and services in the state cost 2.2% less than they do on average nationwide.
So, compared with all other states, Pennsylvania has the 20th highest overall cost of living.
Housing Costs
When talking about the cost of living in this state, it is impossible not to mention the housing costs.
The average home is worth $175,000, or about $30,000 less than the national average home value.
As for renting, the prices are also much lower than in other states.
The price for rent for a one-bedroom per month is $780.
And do you know the price for a unit with five or more bedrooms in Pennsylvania?
It is just $1,230.
Transportation Costs
In Pennsylvania, almost 85% of commuters drive to work.
The average cost of one gallon of gas is $2.50 in Pennsylvania.
With that said, the average motorist in the state can expect to spend $830 on gas alone in one year.
According to data from the EPI, the average single adult in the state spends $9,459 a year on transportation.
Also, transportation tickets for local buses are very economical and highly accessible every daytime.
In this state, SEPTA operates around 120 Bus Routes.
Another cost for transport, like car insurance premiums, can vary by state.
In Pennsylvania, the average car insurance premium is $1,950, which is more than the $1,600 national average.
Healthcare Costs
Another circumstance for determining the cost of living in Pennsylvania is healthcare costs.
Pennsylvania residents put a lot of importance on being outside and staying active.
Also, they spend money on vitamins, healthy food, gym memberships, and outdoor hobbies like hiking, camping, or skiing.
But all of that is not so costly in Pennsylvania.
According to HealthMarkets, the average monthly cost of medical insurance without a subsidy in this state is around $270 per month.
The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State
These cities, mentioned in the text below – are cities with the highest prices in Pennsylvania.
Harrisburg
Firstly, we will start with the most expensive city in Pennsylvania – Harrisburg.
As a capital city, it is undoubtedly the best place to live in the state.
But here is the actual cost of living in Harrisburg.
Housing costs in this city averaged $280,150.
The city’s overall healthcare score ranked at 8.8.
Philadelphia
This amazing city is home to the Liberty Bell, the Declaration of Independence, and Philly cheesesteaks.
Besides, Philadelphia is very famous for its first American zoo, first hospital, and also – for its high prices.
In the City of Brotherly Love (as a nickname of Philadelphia), the fanciest prices have definitely been the restaurants.
For instance, in a famous restaurant in this city, there is a fixed price of $160 for a four-course tasting menu.
The courses are antipasti, pasta, secondo, and dolce, and each offers four to six predominantly Italian dishes.
A diner for one person is around $24, while a lunch menu for two people is above $80.
Not to mention the healthcare services and transportation tickets.
It is one of the most expensive cities, no doubt!
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is a city in the western region of Pennsylvania.
This city is ranked as one of the top five most expensive cities in this state.
Basically, we can note that the costs of living here are the same as in the previously mentioned cities above.
That means – from food prices to healthcare services – almost everything is overpriced.
For instance, only for one doctor’s visit, you will pay around $110.
And as for one dentist visit – expect to pay from $90 to $110.
If you are a pet lover, be prepared for a veterinary appointment to pay more than $58.
Allentown
Allentown is a city in eastern Pennsylvania.
This city is one of the top 50 best places to live due to the many attractions and places to see here.
But, what about the cost of living here?
Well, Allentown is one of the most expensive cities in Philadelphia.
The restaurant and health care prices are almost the same as in the previously mentioned cities.
Erie
Erie is a scenic and beautiful city known for its heaps of snow and friendly people.
Besides, it is the fourth largest city in Pennsylvania and one of the best places to live.
But, this city has high housing costs and a high cost of living.
Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 8% higher than the national average.
In fact, the average home price in this city is $299,114.
The average rent per one-bedroom apartment in a city center is around $936 per month.
An energy bill on monthly basics is much above $130.
As for healthcare prices – healthcare in Erie is 6% lower than the national average.
Due to that, for one doctor’s visit, you should expect to pay around $110.50, while for a dentist appointment – $98.
Pennsylvania Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Pennsylvania Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Additional Resources
Cost of Living in Ohio Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Colorado Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Florida Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Massachusetts Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Wisconsin Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Minnesota Cities: These Are the Top 5
