Cost of Living in Chestnut Hill, PA

With a cost of living index of 117, Chestnut Hill, PA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 17% more expensive than the national average and 34% above the Pennsylvania state average of 83. Chestnut Hill is a smaller community of 6,774 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Chestnut Hill's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,746 (32% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $362,800 (19% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.9x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Chestnut Hill is $125,417, which is 67% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% 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 Chestnut Hill. 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.