Hershey, PA vs McKees Rocks, PA

The cost of living difference between Hershey, PA and McKees Rocks, PA is dramatic. McKees Rocks is 47.9% cheaper than Hershey, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hershey has a cost index of 99 while McKees Rocks sits at 67, 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 Hershey is $1,241/month compared to $933/month in McKees Rocks — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: McKees Rocks is more affordable at $70,400 median vs $339,300.

Median household income in Hershey is $78,750 compared to $33,510 in McKees Rocks (+135%). While Hershey is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hershey spend roughly 18.9% of their income on rent, less than the 33.4% in McKees Rocks. The Hershey ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.