Skyline of Harrisburg
Cost of Living: 92 50,000

Harrisburg, PA, US

Pennsylvania's capital with the State Capitol, the National Civil War Museum, and City Island.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 92

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 95

Affordable

Median Income $52,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.0%

Job market health

Harrisburg vs US Average

Cost of Living
Harrisburg: 92
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Harrisburg: 95
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Harrisburg: 3.07%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 3.1%
  • Sales Tax: 7.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $52,000
  • Unemployment: 4.0%
  • Population: 50,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 195/year
  • Summer High: 85°F
  • Winter Low: 24°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $200,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1000/mo

Cost of Living

Harrisburg's cost of living index is 92 (US average = 100).

CategoryHarrisburgNational AverageDifference
Overall92100-8.0%
Housing95100-5.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$200,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,250/mo
Price per Sq Ft$133

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Harrisburg:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$110Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$6Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$5Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$261Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Harrisburg

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,200/mo.

Harrisburg Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,100/mo.

East Harrisburg

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $900/mo.

West Harrisburg

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $950/mo.

Remote Work Score

Harrisburg scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
92
Rent
$1000
Sunny Days
195
Tax
3.07%
Unemployment
4.0%
Climate
85°F / 24°F

Climate

Harrisburg has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January44°F24°F2.5"
April70°F39°F2.8"
July85°F60°F1.5"
October65°F42°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 3.07%
  • Sales Tax: 7%
  • Property Tax: ~1.5% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Harrisburg, PA, US?

The cost of living index in Harrisburg is 92, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Harrisburg?

The median home price in Harrisburg is $200,000. The housing index is 95.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Harrisburg is approximately $1000/mo.

Does Harrisburg, PA have income tax?

Harrisburg is in PA, which has an income tax rate of 3.07%.

What is the climate like in Harrisburg?

Harrisburg enjoys approximately 195 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 85°F, while winter lows can drop to around 24°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.