Luzerne, PA vs New Bethlehem, PA

Luzerne, PA and New Bethlehem, PA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.1% difference in their overall index. Luzerne scores 65 while New Bethlehem scores 64 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Luzerne is $758/month compared to $635/month in New Bethlehem — a 19% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while New Bethlehem has cheaper rent, Luzerne actually has lower median home values ($113,700 vs $144,700).

Median household income in Luzerne is $39,257 compared to $39,632 in New Bethlehem (-0.9%). New Bethlehem offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Luzerne spend roughly 23.2% of their income on rent, more than the 19.2% in New Bethlehem.