Wilkes-Barre, PA

Very Low · 54

Pennsylvania · Population 44,217 · Updated March 2026

$939
Median Rent / Month
$47,970
Median Income
$108,000
Median Home Value
$902
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Wilkes-Barre

23.5%
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

$11,268
Annual Rent
$1,473
State Income Tax
$1,609
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Wilkes-Barre is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 54 (where 100 equals the national median), Wilkes-Barre residents can expect to pay median rent of $939/month while earning a median household income of $47,970/year.

The median home value in Wilkes-Barre, PA is $108,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $902 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.5% 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 Wilkes-Barre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Wilkes-Barre

What is the cost of living in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The cost of living index in Wilkes-Barre, PA is 54 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $939, median household income is $47,970/year, and the median home value is $108,000.
Is Wilkes-Barre, PA affordable?
Yes, Wilkes-Barre is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 54. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median gross rent in Wilkes-Barre, PA is $939 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $11,268.
What is the median household income in Wilkes-Barre?
The median household income in Wilkes-Barre, PA is $47,970 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%.