Hershey, PA vs Somerset, PA

The cost of living difference between Hershey, PA and Somerset, PA is dramatic. Somerset is 52% cheaper than Hershey, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hershey has a cost index of 99 while Somerset sits at 65, 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 $673/month in Somerset — a 84% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Somerset is more affordable at $144,400 median vs $339,300.

Median household income in Hershey is $78,750 compared to $41,782 in Somerset (+88.5%). 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 19.3% in Somerset.