Scranton, PA vs Wilkes-Barre, PA

Wilkes-Barre is moderately more affordable than Scranton, with a 6.2% lower cost of living index. Scranton scores 74 compared to 70 for Wilkes-Barre, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Scranton can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Scranton is $991/month compared to $939/month in Wilkes-Barre — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wilkes-Barre is more affordable at $108,000 median vs $141,700.

Median household income in Scranton is $49,531 compared to $47,970 in Wilkes-Barre (+3.3%). The higher salaries in Scranton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Scranton spend roughly 24% of their income on rent, more than the 23.5% in Wilkes-Barre.