Summary
- • The overall cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 92.5, making it 7.5% lower than the national average.
- • Housing costs in Pennsylvania are 24% lower than the national average.
- • The median home cost in Pennsylvania is $180,200.
- • Utility costs in Pennsylvania are 6% higher than the national average.
- • Transportation costs in Pennsylvania are 12% higher than the national average.
- • Grocery costs in Pennsylvania are 2% higher than the national average.
- • Healthcare costs in Pennsylvania are 7% higher than the national average.
- • The average rent for a studio apartment in Pennsylvania is $758 per month.
- • The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania is $831 per month.
- • The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania is $1,027 per month.
- • The average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania is $1,289 per month.
- • The average rent for a four-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania is $1,426 per month.
- • The average energy bill in Pennsylvania is $111.81 per month.
- • The average water bill in Pennsylvania is $40 per month.
- • The average internet bill in Pennsylvania is $60 per month.
Whoever said living in Pennsylvania was average clearly wasnt paying attention to the numbers! With a cost of living index 7.5% lower than the national average, the Keystone State offers a mix of savings and splurges that will make your wallet do a little dance. From housing costs that are 24% below the national average to healthcare expenses that are 7% higher, Pennsylvanias financial landscape is as diverse as its scenic vistas. Lets dive into the fascinating world of Pennsylvanias price tags, where you can find a studio apartment for $758 a month or splurge on a cappuccino for $4.22. Buckle up, this is one financial rollercoaster you wont want to miss!
Education
- The average annual in-state tuition for public universities in Pennsylvania is $14,770.
- The average annual out-of-state tuition for public universities in Pennsylvania is $30,880.
- The average annual tuition for private universities in Pennsylvania is $41,430.
- The average cost of childcare for an infant in Pennsylvania is $11,560 per year.
- The average cost of childcare for a 4-year-old in Pennsylvania is $9,560 per year.
Interpretation
Pennsylvania seems to have a knack for keeping things interesting when it comes to cost. From the college scene where in-state students get a discount worthy of envy, while out-of-staters pay a premium like they're ordering off a secret menu, to the private university crowd gliding through with their price tags set at a level that screams exclusivity. But hold onto your hats, because the real kicker is in the world of childcare, where it seems like raising a 4-year-old is a bargain compared to the hefty bill you'll rack up with a squishy infant in tow. Pennsylvania: where the numbers dance to a tune that can make your wallet sing or serenade you into fiscal despair.
Entertainment
- The average cost of a movie ticket in Pennsylvania is $12.
- The average cost of a gym membership in Pennsylvania is $41 per month.
- The average cost of a beer in a bar in Pennsylvania is $5.
- The average cost of a pack of cigarettes in Pennsylvania is $8.27.
- The average cost of a monthly gym membership in Pittsburgh is $44.
- The average cost of renting a tennis court for one hour on the weekend in Pennsylvania is $20.
- The average cost of a cinema ticket for an international release in Pennsylvania is $13.
Interpretation
Pennsylvania may have its fair share of expensive indulgences, from pricey cinema tickets to premium gym memberships, but at least residents can console themselves with a slightly cheaper pack of cigarettes than the national average. So, next time you're debating between hitting the gym or catching a flick, just remember - your wallet might thank you for choosing a workout over a night at the movies.
Food
- Grocery costs in Pennsylvania are 2% higher than the national average.
- The average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Pennsylvania is $15.
- The average cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Pennsylvania is $65.
- The average cost of a gallon of milk in Pennsylvania is $3.71.
- The average cost of a loaf of bread in Pennsylvania is $3.33.
- The average cost of a dozen eggs in Pennsylvania is $3.22.
- The average cost of a cappuccino in Pennsylvania is $4.22.
- The average cost of a Big Mac in Pennsylvania is $4.32.
- The average cost of a pound of boneless chicken breast in Pennsylvania is $4.22.
- The average cost of a pound of local cheese in Pennsylvania is $5.91.
- The average cost of a pound of apples in Pennsylvania is $2.20.
- The average cost of a pound of potatoes in Pennsylvania is $1.15.
- The average cost of a bottle of mid-range wine in Pennsylvania is $12.
- The average cost of a domestic beer (0.5 liter bottle) from the supermarket in Pennsylvania is $2.33.
- The average cost of a 2-liter bottle of Coca-Cola in Pennsylvania is $2.13.
Interpretation
Pennsylvania may be known for its Philly cheesesteaks and scrapple, but when it comes to the cost of living, the numbers don't lie. Residents are shelling out a bit more for their groceries, with prices slightly above the national average. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite at a local diner or splurging on a fancy dinner for two, expect to feel the pinch in your wallet. From a cappuccino fix to a Big Mac craving, each purchase adds up. But hey, at least you can drown your financial sorrows in a reasonably priced bottle of wine or crack open a cold beer without breaking the bank. So, if you're budgeting in Pennsylvania, remember to balance your cheese cravings with your potato pleasures, and maybe skip the daily cappuccinos to keep your wallet happy.
Healthcare
- Healthcare costs in Pennsylvania are 7% higher than the national average.
- The average cost of a doctor's visit in Pennsylvania is $114.
- The average cost of a dentist visit in Pennsylvania is $97.
- The average monthly health insurance premium in Pennsylvania is $515 for an individual.
- The average cost of a monthly package of birth control pills in Pennsylvania is $20.
- The average cost of a box of antibiotics (12 doses) in Pennsylvania is $23.
- The average cost of a 15-minute visit to a private doctor in Pennsylvania is $110.
Interpretation
In Pennsylvania, it seems that taking care of your health might cost you a few extra Pennies-vania. With healthcare costs in the state soaring above the national average by 7%, it's no surprise that a visit to the doctor or dentist could leave a dent in your wallet. From shelling out $114 for a doctor's appointment to $97 for a dentist visit, Pennsylvanians are definitely paying a premium for their healthcare needs. And let's not forget about those monthly expenses, with individuals forking out an average of $515 for health insurance and $20 for birth control pills. It's a good thing the antibiotics only cost $23, because after all these bills, you might need a prescription for stress relief next!
Housing
- Housing costs in Pennsylvania are 24% lower than the national average.
- The median home cost in Pennsylvania is $180,200.
- The average rent for a studio apartment in Pennsylvania is $758 per month.
- The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania is $831 per month.
- The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania is $1,027 per month.
- The average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania is $1,289 per month.
- The average rent for a four-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania is $1,426 per month.
- The average property tax rate in Pennsylvania is 1.58% of a property's assessed fair market value.
- The average annual homeowners insurance premium in Pennsylvania is $931.
Interpretation
Pennsylvania, where the cost of living takes center stage like a well-rehearsed play. With housing costs prancing 24% lower than the national average, it's clear the state likes to keep its wallet happy. From the modest $758-per-month studio apartments to the grandiose $1,426-per-month four-bedroom abodes, there's a stage for every budget. And let's not forget the property tax rate of 1.58%, playing the role of the not-so-silent villain in this financial production. Pennsylvania, where living costs spin a tale of numbers that would make any budget-conscious individual both laugh and cry, simultaneously.
Overall Cost
- The overall cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 92.5, making it 7.5% lower than the national average.
Interpretation
Pennsylvania residents have mastered the art of stretching a dollar further than a rubber band at a clown convention, with a cost of living that's 7.5% lower than the rest of the country. This means that not only can you enjoy the picturesque landscapes and Philly cheesesteaks without breaking the bank, but you might just have enough spare change to feed the parking meter for a whole hour. Remember folks, in the land of the Keystone State, living well doesn't have to cost you an arm and a pretzel.
Personal Care
- The average cost of a haircut in Pennsylvania is $21.
- The average cost of a pair of jeans in Pennsylvania is $45.
- The average cost of a pair of running shoes in Pennsylvania is $75.
- The average cost of a summer dress from a chain store in Pennsylvania is $35.
- The average cost of a men's suit in Pennsylvania is $215.
- The average cost of a tube of toothpaste in Pennsylvania is $2.83.
- The average cost of a box of tampons (32) in Pennsylvania is $7.
- The average cost of a bottle of shampoo (400 ml) in Pennsylvania is $5.33.
- The average cost of 4 rolls of toilet paper in Pennsylvania is $3.67.
Interpretation
Pennsylvania, where even the cost of living has its own unique style. From pricey follicle finesse to shoestring chic, navigating the price tags of jeans, shoes, suits, and summer dresses seems like a theatrical production in the Keystone State. And let's not forget the essentials – toothpaste, tampons, shampoo, and yes, even toilet paper have their own billing codes in this grand retail symphony. In this land of consumer contradictions, one thing remains clear: life may have its costs, but in Pennsylvania, at least you can look good while paying them.
Transportation
- Transportation costs in Pennsylvania are 12% higher than the national average.
- The average gas price in Pennsylvania is $3.58 per gallon (as of 2023).
- The average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,522 per year.
- The average cost of public transportation in Philadelphia is $96 for a monthly pass.
- The average cost of a monthly public transportation pass in Pittsburgh is $97.50.
- The average cost of a one-way ticket on public transportation in Pittsburgh is $2.75.
- The average cost of a taxi start (normal tariff) in Pennsylvania is $3.50.
- The average cost per mile of taxi fare in Pennsylvania is $2.70.
Interpretation
In Pennsylvania, it seems like getting around can cost you a pretty penny, quite literally. With transportation costs soaring 12% higher than the national average, the state isn't cutting any slack whether you're driving, taking public transit, or hailing a cab. From the pricey $3.58 per gallon of gas to the hefty $1,522 annual car insurance bill, Pennsylvanians are digging deeper into their pockets. And if you opt for public transportation in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, don't expect any discounts with monthly passes hovering around the $97 mark. With taxi fares adding up at $3.50 just to start and $2.70 per mile, it's clear that a ride in the Keystone State comes at a premium. Buckle up, Pennsylvania – your transportation budget is in for a bumpy ride.
Utilities
- Utility costs in Pennsylvania are 6% higher than the national average.
- The average energy bill in Pennsylvania is $111.81 per month.
- The average water bill in Pennsylvania is $40 per month.
- The average internet bill in Pennsylvania is $60 per month.
- The average monthly electricity bill in Pennsylvania is $114.48.
- The average monthly natural gas bill in Pennsylvania is $76.77.
Interpretation
Pennsylvania residents sure know how to keep their wallets on a rollercoaster ride with utility costs that can make even the most budget-savvy individual break a sweat. From the sky-high energy bills to the water and internet expenses that seem to flow and connect without mercy, Pennsylvanians are navigating a landscape where every dollar counts. It's a state where the monthly utility bills may evoke a mix of dread and admiration—a true test of financial fortitude, where staying afloat means strategically navigating the ever-rising tide of expenses.
