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Cost of Living in Lackawanna County

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

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$68,841
$1,039/mo

Median in area: $1,039

$199,362

Median in area: $199,362

$39,872

If you Rent

🔑
$1,264 /mo
Base Rent$1,039
Est. Utilities$225
% of Income22.0%
Pre-tax Residual$4,473

If you Buy

🏠
$1,637 /mo
P&I (7.2%)$1,083
Taxes & Ins$329
Est. Utilities$225
% of Income28.5%
Pre-tax Residual$4,100

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Lackawanna County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyMonroe County, PA
$1,483/mo
countySusquehanna County, PA
$961/mo
countyWyoming County, PA
$934/mo
countyLuzerne County, PA
$1,057/mo
countyWayne County, PA
$1,031/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Lackawanna County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,264, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,637 per month (a difference of $373).

How much do utilities cost in Lackawanna County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Lackawanna County is approximately $225. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Lackawanna County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $50,560 per year.