Cost of Living in Darby, PA

With a cost of living index of 85, Darby, PA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 15% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Pennsylvania state average. Darby is a smaller community of 10,664 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Darby's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,337 (1% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $101,900 (67% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Darby is $45,128, which is 40% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 36% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. 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 Darby. 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.