Cost of Living in Emporium, PA

With a cost of living index of 60, Emporium, PA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 40% cheaper than the national average and 23% below the Pennsylvania state average of 83. Emporium is a small community of 2,005 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Emporium's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $687 (48% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $70,800 (77% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Emporium is $36,167, which is 52% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% 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.

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.