Bethlehem, PA vs Scranton, PA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Scranton is 26.1% cheaper than Bethlehem. With a cost index of 74 vs 94, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Scranton to Bethlehem should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bethlehem is $1,311/month compared to $991/month in Scranton — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Scranton is more affordable at $141,700 median vs $236,500.

Median household income in Bethlehem is $66,443 compared to $49,531 in Scranton (+34.1%). While Bethlehem is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bethlehem spend roughly 23.7% of their income on rent, less than the 24% in Scranton.