Hershey, PA

Average · 96

Pennsylvania · Population 14,334 · Updated March 2026

$1,241
Median Rent / Month
$78,750
Median Income
$339,300
Median Home Value
$1,346
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Hershey

18.9%
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

$14,892
Annual Rent
$2,418
State Income Tax
$5,056
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Hershey has a cost of living close to the national average, offering a balanced mix of expenses and amenities. With a cost index of 96 (where 100 equals the national median), Hershey residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,241/month while earning a median household income of $78,750/year.

The median home value in Hershey, PA is $339,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,346 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% 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 Hershey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Hershey

What is the cost of living in Hershey, PA?
The cost of living index in Hershey, PA is 96 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,241, median household income is $78,750/year, and the median home value is $339,300.
Is Hershey, PA affordable?
Yes, Hershey is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 96. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Hershey, PA?
The median gross rent in Hershey, PA is $1,241 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $14,892.
What is the median household income in Hershey?
The median household income in Hershey, PA is $78,750 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%.