State College, PA

Average · 103

Pennsylvania · Population 40,669 · Updated March 2026

$1,229
Median Rent / Month
$47,132
Median Income
$414,400
Median Home Value
$1,243
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in State College

31.3%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

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

$14,748
Annual Rent
$1,447
State Income Tax
$6,175
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

State College has a cost of living close to the national average, offering a balanced mix of expenses and amenities. With a cost index of 103 (where 100 equals the national median), State College residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,229/month while earning a median household income of $47,132/year.

The median home value in State College, PA is $414,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,243 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. At 31.3% rent-to-income ratio, residents of State College are spending more than the recommended 30% of income on housing, indicating moderate cost burden.

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 State College.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in State College

What is the cost of living in State College, PA?
The cost of living index in State College, PA is 103 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,229, median household income is $47,132/year, and the median home value is $414,400.
Is State College, PA affordable?
No, State College is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 103. The rent-to-income ratio is 31.3%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in State College, PA?
The median gross rent in State College, PA is $1,229 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $14,748.
What is the median household income in State College?
The median household income in State College, PA is $47,132 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%.