Scranton, PA, US
Electric City with The Office fame, the Steamtown National Historic Site, and coal history.
Overview
Scranton is a city in PA with a population of 76,000. Electric City with The Office fame, the Steamtown National Historic Site, and coal history. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Scranton vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 3.1%
- Sales Tax: 7.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $48,000
- Unemployment: 4.5%
- Population: 76,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 175/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 20°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: $160,000
- 1BR Rent: $950/mo
Cost of Living
Scranton's cost of living index is 88 (US average = 100).
| Category | Scranton | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
| Housing | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $160,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $950/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,188/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $106 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Scranton:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $113 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $100 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $338 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Scranton scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Scranton has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F | 20°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 35°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 38°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Scranton faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms.
River flooding.
Tornado risk.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 3.07%
- Sales Tax: 7%
- Property Tax: ~1.49% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Scranton is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
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 Scranton, PA, US?
The cost of living index in Scranton is 88, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Scranton?
The median home price in Scranton is $160,000. The housing index is 90.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Scranton is approximately $950/mo.
Does Scranton, PA have income tax?
Scranton is in PA, which has an income tax rate of 3.07%.
What is the climate like in Scranton?
Scranton enjoys approximately 175 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 20°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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.