Wilkes-Barre is located in Pennsylvania and has an overall cost of living that is +2% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Wilkes-Barre.

Housing: Median rent in Wilkes-Barre is $1,584 / month, and the median home price is $527,717. Housing costs are -1% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($4.24), milk ($4.91), and eggs ($4.84) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are +3% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($115.68), dentist visits ($92.92), and prescription drugs ($16.75). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

Pennsylvania has a state income tax rate of 3.07%, which affects take-home pay for Wilkes-Barre residents.

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Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Wilkes-Barre.

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania has an overall cost of living that is +2% the national average. Housing costs are -1% vs the national average. Grocery prices are +3% vs average. Utilities are +15% vs average. This makes Wilkes-Barre a city with costs close to national averages.

The median rent in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania is $1,584 / month. Average energy bills run $252.05 / month. Phone bills average $224.86 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.

Healthcare costs in Wilkes-Barre: doctor's visit averages $115.68, dentist visit averages $92.92, prescription drugs average $16.75. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the +3% grocery cost difference.

Wilkes-Barre is one of 446 cities tracked in Pennsylvania. With an overall cost +2% vs the national average, it tends to be pricier than some smaller communities. Visit our Pennsylvania state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.

Wilkes-Barre offers cost of living +2% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $527,717, rent of $1,584 / month, and a state income tax of 3.07% in Pennsylvania. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Wilkes-Barre fits your budget.