Cost of Living in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Cost indexes, living wages, and fair market rents — 2024 Data
Cost of Living Overview
Overall Index
84.7
100 = national avg
-15.3 vs national average
Living Wage (1 Adult)
$37,275
per year
Living Wage (Family of 4)
$88,103
per year
Cost Index by Category
Housing88.3
Food86.7
Transportation79.3
Healthcare89.3
Utilities89.7
100 = national average. Higher = more expensive.
Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD1 Bedroom
$1,028
per month
2 Bedroom
$1,252
per month
The overall cost of living index in Wilkes-Barre is 84.7, which is 15.3% below the national average. Housing costs are below the national average at an index of 88.3. A single adult needs to earn approximately $37,275 per year to cover basic expenses.