Cost of Living in Bala Cynwyd, PA

With a cost of living index of 142, Bala Cynwyd, PA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 42% more expensive than the national average and 59% above the Pennsylvania state average of 83. Bala Cynwyd is a smaller community of 9,622 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Bala Cynwyd's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,812 (37% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $628,400 (106% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Bala Cynwyd is $144,453, which is 92% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 15% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Bala Cynwyd. The area sees an average annual temperature of 56.3°F, with summers averaging 76°F and winters around 36°F. Annual rainfall totals 44.1 inches spread over roughly 121 days.

Everyday prices in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.