Cost of Living in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 2025

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Cost of Living: Quick Takeaways

Housing Costs: Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Harrisburg is projected to be $1,150 in 2025, with median home prices around $125,000.
Transportation Expenses: Public transit monthly passes cost about $65.00, and fuel prices average $3.54 per gallon in 2025.
Healthcare Costs: Employer-sponsored health insurance averages approximately $140.33 monthly, with Silver plan premiums around $621.
Income Levels: Median household income is expected to reach $52,000 in 2025.

Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, offers an affordable living environment with reasonable housing and transportation expenses.

This article presents a detailed overview of Harrisburg’s cost of living in 2025, including housing, utilities, groceries and more.

1. Housing Costs in Harrisburg

Housing expenses have steadily risen over time, with rent increases for one-bedroom apartments as follows:

2010: Approximately $800
2015: Around $900
2020: Approximately $1,000
2024: Reached $1,100
2025: Projected to be $1,150

This gradual increase reflects growing demand and economic factors influencing rental markets in Harrisburg.

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2. Homeownership and Real Estate Trends in Harrisburg

For those interested in purchasing property, the median home prices have shown steady appreciation:

2010: Median home price was approximately $95,000
2015: Rose to around $105,000
2020: Approximately $112,100
2024: Reached $121,000
2025: Projected to be $125,000

These trends indicate a stable housing market that may offer affordable home ownership opportunities compared to larger metro areas.

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3. Transportation Expenses in Harrisburg

Transportation costs in Harrisburg include different modes and expenses:

Public Transit: One-way fare is about $1.75, with monthly passes costing $65.00.
Fuel Costs: Average price per gallon is $3.54 in 2025.
Vehicle Maintenance: Annual maintenance costs average $1,200.

Individual transportation expenses will vary depending on commuting habits and vehicle ownership.

4. Utility Costs in Harrisburg

Typical monthly utility costs for an average apartment include:

Electricity: $204.09
Internet: $50.00
Total Utilities: $254.09

Utility expenses are major components of living costs and vary by usage and provider.

5. Grocery and Food Expenses in Harrisburg

Groceries typically cost around $300 per person monthly in Harrisburg. Dining out prices vary:

Casual Meal: $15
Mid-range Restaurant Meal: $50

Food expenses reflect both home cooking and eating out preferences.

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6. Healthcare Costs in Harrisburg

Healthcare costs cover insurance premiums and medical expenses:

Employer Sponsored Insurance: Monthly cost averages $140.33.
Silver Plan Insurance: Monthly premiums are approximately $621.

Healthcare expenses can differ based on plan type and coverage levels.

7. Educational Expenses in Harrisburg

Education costs vary by institution type:

Public Schools: Generally free as funded by taxes.
Private Schools: Average annual tuition is about $10,000.
In-state University Tuition: Estimated at $10,000 per year.

Families should consider these figures when planning education expenses.

8. Entertainment and Leisure in Harrisburg

Recreational activities costs include:

Movie Tickets: Average price is $11.06.
Gym Membership: Around $30 monthly.
Mid-range Restaurant Meals: Cost about $40 each.

Annual entertainment expenses average $2,000, while personal care services amount to about $768 yearly.

9. Taxes and Miscellaneous Fees in Harrisburg

Key taxes impacting residents include:

State Income Tax Rate: Approximately 3.07%.
Sales Tax: Total sales tax rate is 6%.
Property Tax Rate: Averages 1.5% based on property value.

These taxes affect budgeting for housing and daily expenses.

10. Childcare and Family Expenses in Harrisburg

Families with children typically encounter the following monthly costs:

Daycare Services: $1,000
After-School Programs: $300
Extracurricular Activities: $100

These expenses are essential for working parents and contribute to family budgets.

11. Clothing and Personal Care in Harrisburg

Monthly expenditures include:

Clothing: Around $115.
Personal Care Products and Services: Approximately $54.

These costs fluctuate based on lifestyle and personal habits.

12. Insurance Costs in Harrisburg

Different insurance premiums contribute to living expenses:

Health Insurance: Silver plan premiums average $621 monthly.
Auto Insurance: Annual cost is about $1,200.
Homeowners Insurance: Averages $1,000 annually.
Renters Insurance: Costs approximately $200 annually.

Insurance costs provide essential protection and are a necessary budget consideration.

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13. Miscellaneous Expenses in Harrisburg

Other common spending includes:

Entertainment Expenses: Yearly cost around $2,000.
Personal Care Services: Approximately $768 annually.
Miscellaneous Goods and Services: Around $707 per year.

These expenses vary widely depending on individual preferences and lifestyle.

14. Income and Salaries in Harrisburg

Historical median household income in Harrisburg has grown steadily:

2010: Approximately $39,685
2015: Around $44,444
2020: Estimated $47,783
2023: About $50,000
2025: Projected $52,000

This increase reflects economic growth and inflation adjustment over the years.

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15. Comparison with National Averages

Comparing Harrisburg’s costs to national average indices reveals the following:

Overall Cost of Living: Approximately 4% lower than national average.
Housing: 12% more affordable compared to the national average.
Utilities: On par with the national average.
Food: Approximately 4% lower.
Healthcare: About 12% less expensive.
Transportation: Slightly higher by about 2%.
Goods and Services: Also about 2% higher than the national average.

These comparisons help assess Harrisburg’s affordability within the broader US context.

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Our Methodology for Harrisburg Cost of Living Figures

To compile these cost of living estimates for Harrisburg, we leveraged reputable data sources including government databases, local reports and trusted statistical platforms.

Where exact data was unavailable, reasonable estimates were applied to maintain accuracy and relevance.

This approach ensures comprehensive insights into Harrisburg’s economic landscape for 2025.

Harrisburg Cost of Living: Conclusion

The cost of living in Harrisburg in 2025 offers a favorable balance between affordability and quality of life.

Housing remains considerably more affordable than national averages while healthcare and food costs are also relatively low.

Transportation costs are slightly above average but manageable, and steady income growth supports a comfortable lifestyle.

Understanding these factors helps residents and potential newcomers make informed decisions about living in Pennsylvania’s capital city.