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Cost of Living in Luzerne County

Is it better to rent or buy in Luzerne 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.

$67,956
$1,057/mo

Median in area: $1,057

$178,101

Median in area: $178,101

$35,620

If you Rent

🔑
$1,277 /mo
Base Rent$1,057
Est. Utilities$220
% of Income22.5%
Pre-tax Residual$4,386

If you Buy

🏠
$1,454 /mo
P&I (7.074%)$955
Taxes & Ins$279
Est. Utilities$220
% of Income25.7%
Pre-tax Residual$4,209

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Luzerne County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countySchuylkill County, PA
$891/mo
countyWyoming County, PA
$934/mo
countyLackawanna County, PA
$1,039/mo
countyColumbia County, PA
$971/mo
countyCarbon County, PA
$1,065/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Luzerne County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,277, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,454 per month (a difference of $177).

How much do utilities cost in Luzerne County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Luzerne County is approximately $220. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Luzerne County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $51,080 per year.