Swarthmore, PA vs West Mifflin, PA

The cost of living difference between Swarthmore, PA and West Mifflin, PA is dramatic. West Mifflin is 90.4% cheaper than Swarthmore, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Swarthmore has a cost index of 127 while West Mifflin 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 Swarthmore is $1,493/month compared to $748/month in West Mifflin — a 100% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: West Mifflin is more affordable at $131,400 median vs $557,900.

Median household income in Swarthmore is $146,992 compared to $70,335 in West Mifflin (+109%). While Swarthmore is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Swarthmore spend roughly 12.2% of their income on rent, less than the 12.8% in West Mifflin.

Climate-wise, Swarthmore is notably warmer with an average of 56.3°F compared to 52.4°F in West Mifflin. Swarthmore receives more rainfall at 44.1" per year compared to 41.3" in West Mifflin.