Darby, PA vs Frackville, PA

The cost of living difference between Darby, PA and Frackville, PA is dramatic. Frackville is 34.2% cheaper than Darby, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Darby has a cost index of 85 while Frackville sits at 63, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Darby is $1,337/month compared to $711/month in Frackville — a 88% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Frackville is more affordable at $99,700 median vs $101,900.

Median household income in Darby is $45,128 compared to $56,394 in Frackville (-20%). Frackville offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Darby spend roughly 35.6% of their income on rent, more than the 15.1% in Frackville. The Frackville ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.