Cost of Living Overview in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States

All Topics about Harrisburg All Cities in United States

1. Harrisburg Housing Costs

Understanding the average rent and home prices in Harrisburg helps budget your accommodation expenses.

Average Rent: Average monthly rent for apartments in Harrisburg ranges from $700 to $1200.
Home Prices: The median home price in Harrisburg is around $130,000, making it an affordable option for some buyers.
Housing Market Trends: Keep track of real estate market trends to find the best deals and avoid overpaying.

Knowing the cost of groceries helps you plan meals during your stay.

Average Grocery Prices: Expect to pay around $300 - $400 per month for basic groceries.
Local Farmers Markets: Visit local farmers markets for fresh produce at reasonable prices.
Discount Grocery Stores: Save money by shopping at discount grocery stores like Aldi and Save-A-Lot.

Estimating the cost of dining out helps you budget your food expenses.

Average Meal Price: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $10 - $20.
Popular Restaurants: Try popular local eateries like Midtown Cafe & Bar and Millworks for a unique dining experience.
Happy Hours: Take advantage of happy hours to save on drinks and appetizers.

Understanding the transportation costs helps you budget your travel expenses.

Public Transportation: The Capital Area Transit (CAT) provides bus service throughout Harrisburg for $2 per ride.
Parking Costs: Street parking is free in many areas, but garages can cost up to $15 per day.
Car Rental Prices: Renting a car starts at around $20 per day, plus gas and insurance costs.

Knowing the cost of utilities helps you budget your monthly expenses.

Average Utilities Cost: Expect to pay around $100 - $200 per month for utilities.
Energy Efficiency: Stay in energy-efficient accommodations to save on your utility bill.
Bundling Services: Consider bundling services like internet, cable, and phone to save money.

Knowing the cost of entertainment helps you budget your leisure activities.

Average Movie Ticket Price: Movie tickets cost around $9 - $12 per person.
Popular Attractions: Visit popular attractions like the State Capitol and Forbes Road Railroad Museum.
Free Activities: Take advantage of free activities like walking tours and parks.

Understanding the cost of healthcare helps you budget for any unexpected medical needs.

Average Doctor Visit Price: An average doctor visit costs around $100 - $200.
Emergency Room Costs: Emergency room visits can range from $500 to over $3,000 depending on treatment.
Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind and financial protection.

Knowing the cost of internet helps you budget your digital needs.

Average Internet Price: Basic internet service costs around $40 - $60 per month.
Internet Speed: Speeds can range from 10 Mbps to over 250 Mbps depending on the provider.
Bundling Services: Consider bundling internet, TV, and phone services to save money.

Understanding the cost of cell phone service helps you budget your communication needs.

Average Cell Phone Price: Expect to pay around $50 - $100 per month for cell phone service.
Carrier Coverage: Check coverage areas for your preferred carrier to avoid roaming charges.
Unlimited Data Plans: Consider unlimited data plans for peace of mind and endless streaming.

Understanding the tax rate helps you budget your income.

State Income Tax Rate: Pennsylvania has a flat income tax rate of 3.07%.
Sales Tax Rate: The sales tax rate in Pennsylvania is 6%, but some cities and counties may have additional local taxes.
Property Taxes: Property taxes vary by location, but expect to pay around 1.5% of the property's assessed value.

Understanding tipping customs helps you budget your dining expenses.

Standard Tip Rate: A standard tip is 15 - 20% for good service.
Tipping in Bars: Tipping bartenders is optional but appreciated, with $1 per drink as a guideline.
Service Charge: Some restaurants may add a service charge instead of relying on tips.

Knowing the cost of car insurance helps you budget your vehicle expenses.

Average Car Insurance Price: Expect to pay around $1,000 - $1,300 per year for car insurance.
Required Coverage: Pennsylvania requires liability coverage and proof of insurance.
Shopping Around: Shop around for the best rates and find discounts for safe driving habits.

Understanding gas prices helps you budget your transportation costs.

Average Gas Price: The average price of a gallon of gas in Harrisburg is around $3 - $3.50.
Pump Prices: Prices may vary slightly between different gas stations.
Gas-Saving Tips: Drive efficiently, use cruise control, and maintain your vehicle to save on gas.

Estimating the cost of a night out helps you budget your social expenses.

Average Night Out Cost: A typical night out can cost around $50 - $100 per person.
Popular Bars and Clubs: Visit popular bars and clubs like The Midtown and The Abbey Bar & Lounge.
Transportation Costs: Factor in transportation costs if you plan to drink alcohol and don't drive.

The cost of living index helps you compare the cost of living in Harrisburg to other cities.

Cost of Living Ranking: Harrisburg ranks slightly lower than the national average.
Housing Costs: Housing costs are a significant factor in Harrisburg's cost of living index.
Grocery Costs: Grocery costs in Harrisburg are lower than the national average.