Cost of Living in Tamaqua, PA

With a cost of living index of 69, Tamaqua, PA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 31% cheaper than the national average and 14% below the Pennsylvania state average of 83. Tamaqua is a smaller community of 6,922 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Tamaqua's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $935 (29% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $78,500 (74% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.8x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Tamaqua is $44,803, which is 40% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 25% 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 Tamaqua. 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.