Cost of Living in Wilkes-Barre, PA

With a cost of living index of 70, Wilkes-Barre, PA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 30% cheaper than the national average and 13% below the Pennsylvania state average of 83. With a population of 44,217, Wilkes-Barre is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Wilkes-Barre's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $939 (29% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $108,000 (65% 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 Wilkes-Barre is $47,970, which is 36% 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.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Wilkes-Barre. The area sees an average annual temperature of 51.3°F, with summers averaging 72°F and winters around 31°F. Annual rainfall totals 38.7 inches spread over roughly 139 days.

Everyday prices in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA (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.