Carlisle, PA

Very Low · 70

Pennsylvania · Population 21,335 · Updated March 2026

$986
Median Rent / Month
$59,742
Median Income
$212,400
Median Home Value
$1,054
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Carlisle

19.8%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Pennsylvania

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

3.07%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.0%
Sales Tax
1.49%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$11,832
Annual Rent
$1,834
State Income Tax
$3,165
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Carlisle is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 70 (where 100 equals the national median), Carlisle residents can expect to pay median rent of $986/month while earning a median household income of $59,742/year.

The median home value in Carlisle, PA is $212,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,054 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Pennsylvania has a moderate income tax rate of 3.07%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 1.49% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Carlisle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Carlisle

What is the cost of living in Carlisle, PA?
The cost of living index in Carlisle, PA is 70 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $986, median household income is $59,742/year, and the median home value is $212,400.
Is Carlisle, PA affordable?
Yes, Carlisle is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 70. The rent-to-income ratio is 19.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Carlisle, PA?
The median gross rent in Carlisle, PA is $986 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $11,832.
What is the median household income in Carlisle?
The median household income in Carlisle, PA is $59,742 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a top income tax rate of 3.07%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.49%.