Skyline of York
Cost of Living: 88 44,000

York, PA, US

White Rose City with the York Revolution, the Colonial Complex, and a historic downtown.

Updated September 12, 2026

Overview

York is a city in PA with a population of 44,000. White Rose City with the York Revolution, the Colonial Complex, and a historic downtown. 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. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The population skews young, with a median age of 34.2.

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Cost of Living 88

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 90

Affordable

Median Income $50,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.8%

Job market health

York vs US Average

Cost of Living
York: 88
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
York: 90
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
York: 3.07%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

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

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $50,000
  • Unemployment: 3.8%
  • Population: 44,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 200/year
  • Summer High: 85°F
  • Winter Low: 24°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a

Housing

  • Median Home: $200,000
  • 1BR Rent: $950/mo

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Cost of Living

York's cost of living index is 88 (US average = 100).

CategoryYorkNational AverageDifference
Overall88100-12.0%
Housing90100-10.0%

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

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$200,000
Median Rent (1BR)$950/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,188/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

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in York:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$113Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$83Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$70Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities$321Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

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

Remote Work Score

York scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
88
Rent
$950
Sunny Days
200
Tax
3.07%
Unemployment
3.8%
Climate
85°F / 24°F
Safety
5.8 homicides/100k
Population
44,000
Internet Speed
200 Mbps

Climate

York 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"
USDA Zone 5a

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

York faces the following natural hazards:

Flood High Risk

River flooding.

Blizzard High Risk

Severe winter storms.

Tornado Moderate Risk

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 3.8%.

Schools & Education

100/100
School Quality Score
?
39
Total Schools

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Universities & Higher Education

4
Universities
#477
Top University Rank
1
Top 500 Universities
Top-Ranked University York University

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Demographics

The population of York is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Asian
1.1%
Black or African American
23.3%
Hispanic or Latino
36.0%
Native American
0.1%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
0.0%
Other
0.4%
Two or more races
4.5%
White
34.6%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
17.1%
High school graduate
40.5%
Less than high school
19.0%
Some college
23.4%

Religion

Christian
68.0%
Jewish
3.0%
Other
5.0%
Unaffiliated
24.0%

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 York, PA, US?

The cost of living index in York is 88, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

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

The median home price in York is $200,000. The housing index is 90.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in York is approximately $950/mo.

Does York, PA have income tax?

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

What is the climate like in York?

York enjoys approximately 200 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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.