Safe Rate Local

Cost of Living in Centre County

Is it better to rent or buy in Centre County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

← Back to Centre County Hub

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$79,506
$1,144/mo

Median in area: $1,144

$344,531

Median in area: $344,531

$68,906

If you Rent

🔑
$1,327 /mo
Base Rent$1,144
Est. Utilities$183
% of Income20.0%
Pre-tax Residual$5,299

If you Buy

🏠
$2,393 /mo
P&I (7%)$1,834
Taxes & Ins$376
Est. Utilities$183
% of Income36.1%
Pre-tax Residual$4,233

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Centre County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyUnion County, PA
$1,010/mo
countyMifflin County, PA
$830/mo
countyHuntingdon County, PA
$821/mo
countyClearfield County, PA
$803/mo
countyClinton County, PA
$876/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Centre County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Centre County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,327, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,393 per month (a difference of $1,066).

How much do utilities cost in Centre County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Centre County is approximately $183. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Centre County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Centre County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $53,080 per year.