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Cost of Living in State College

Is it better to rent or buy in State College? 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.

$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

🏠
$2,301 /mo
P&I (6.5%)$1,742
Taxes & Ins$376
Est. Utilities$183
% of Income34.7%
Pre-tax Residual$4,324

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in State College?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in State College. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,327, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,301 per month (a difference of $974).

How much do utilities cost in State College?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in State College 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 State College?›

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