Cost of Living in Clarion, PA

With a cost of living index of 72, Clarion, PA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 28% cheaper than the national average and 11% below the Pennsylvania state average of 83. Clarion is a small community of 4,202 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Clarion's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $840 (36% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $155,300 (49% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.7x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Clarion is $42,063, which is 44% 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 Clarion. The area sees an average annual temperature of 47.8°F, with summers averaging 67°F and winters around 27°F. Annual rainfall totals 42.4 inches spread over roughly 169 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

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.