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Cost of Living in Hershey

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

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$71,875
$598/mo

Median in area: $598

$213,000

Median in area: $213,000

$42,600

If you Rent

$1,105 /mo
Base Rent$598
Est. Utilities$507
% of Income18.4%
Pre-tax Residual$4,885

If you Buy

$2,005 /mo
P&I (7.055%)$1,140
Taxes & Ins$358
Est. Utilities$507
% of Income33.5%
Pre-tax Residual$3,985

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Hershey?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Hershey. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,105, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,005 per month (a difference of $900).

How much do utilities cost in Hershey?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Hershey is approximately $507. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Hershey?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Hershey without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $44,200 per year.