Cost of Living in Harrisburg, PA

An Overview of Cost of Living in Harrisburg, PA

Understanding the cost of living in Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg cost of living index is 90, which is 10% 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.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care in Harrisburg are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Harrisburg can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Housing expenses often consume a significant portion of your net income, occasionally surpassing 30%. Fortunately, housing costs in Harrisburg are 40.9% below the national average. This highlights the region's exceptional affordability for both homeownership and rentals in comparison to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more reasonable fraction of their income to housing, resulting in enhanced financial flexibility and improved overall financial well-being.

Is Harrisburg Affordable?

Is Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg is 53.7% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 10.9% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Harrisburg has a median household income of $41,831, which is 24.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Harrisburg?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Harrisburg, the groceries index registers 1.1% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Harrisburg, the utilities index is 6.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Harrisburg cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.