Clarion, PA vs New Kensington, PA

New Kensington is moderately more affordable than Clarion, with a 10.1% lower cost of living index. Clarion scores 72 compared to 65 for New Kensington, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Clarion can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Clarion is $840/month compared to $694/month in New Kensington — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: New Kensington is more affordable at $132,400 median vs $155,300.

Median household income in Clarion is $42,063 compared to $49,644 in New Kensington (-15.3%). New Kensington offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Clarion spend roughly 24% of their income on rent, more than the 16.8% in New Kensington.