Cost of Living in Bethlehem, PA

With a cost of living index of 94, Bethlehem, PA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 6% cheaper than the national average and 11% above the Pennsylvania state average of 83. With a population of 77,069, Bethlehem is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Bethlehem's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,311 (1% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $236,500 (22% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.6x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Bethlehem is $66,443, which is 12% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Bethlehem. The area sees an average annual temperature of 53.1°F, with summers averaging 73°F and winters around 33°F. Annual rainfall totals 47.4 inches spread over roughly 129 days.

Everyday prices in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ (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.