Cost of Living in Scranton, PA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $946 (excluding rent), and $2,211 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,428 (excluding rent), and $4,073 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$12.04 $12.04

$40.15 $40.15

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$91 $91

$60.7 $60.7

$142 $142

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.15 $6.15

$15.36 $15.36

Cappuccino

$4.43 $4.43

$2.69 $2.69

$8.86 $8.86

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.53 $1.53

$5.09 $5.09

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.01 $1.01

$3.04 $3.04

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.84 $5.84

$3.89 $3.89

$7.79 $7.79

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.18 $7.18

$5.13 $5.13

$9.24 $9.24

Milk (1 liter)

$0.77 $0.77

$1.88 $1.88

White Bread (500g)

$1.39 $1.39

$5.41 $5.41

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.14 $2.14

$17.25 $17.25

Eggs

$3.48 $3.48

$1.83 $1.83

$7.16 $7.16

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.39 $13.39

$8.92 $8.92

$44.69 $44.69

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.08 $10.08

$8.04 $8.04

$17.94 $17.94

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.18 $11.18

$33.63 $33.63

Apples (1kg)

$3.73 $3.73

$2.24 $2.24

$8.99 $8.99

Banana (1kg)

$1.32 $1.32

$5.37 $5.37

Oranges (1kg)

$3.24 $3.24

$1.63 $1.63

$13.03 $13.03

Tomato (1kg)

$4.47 $4.47

$1.99 $1.99

$8.97 $8.97

Potato (1kg)

$3.43 $3.43

$0.67 $0.67

$4.5 $4.5

Onion (1kg)

$2.93 $2.93

$1.81 $1.81

$4.54 $4.54

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.96 $1.96

$1.95 $1.95

$3.03 $3.03

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.01 $1.01

$3.06 $3.06

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.49 $6.49

$16.15 $16.15

Wine (Bottle)

$12.18 $12.18

$11.16 $11.16

$25.37 $25.37

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.96 $1.96

$1.71 $1.71

$3.52 $3.52

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.09 $4.09

$1.96 $1.96

$6.82 $6.82

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.7 $1.7

$1.22 $1.22

$1.95 $1.95

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$59.5 $59.5

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.94 $2.94

$2.65 $2.65

$4.41 $4.41

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.43 $1.43

$1.12 $1.12

$2.07 $2.07

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$21.69 $21.69

$31.54 $31.54

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.92 $0.92

$0.81 $0.81

$1.09 $1.09

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$26.9K $26.9K

$23.5K $23.5K

$36.2K $36.2K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.4K $25.4K

$24.5K $24.5K

$26.1K $26.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$267 $267

$165 $165

$377 $377

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$39.43 $39.43

$34.5 $34.5

$88.7 $88.7

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$49.59 $49.59

$124 $124

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$29.92 $29.92

$19.95 $19.95

$39.9 $39.9

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$15.88 $15.88

Cinema Ticket

$12.43 $12.43

$11.93 $11.93

$19.89 $19.89

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$772 $772

$2,373 $2,373

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$43.6K $43.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$44.92 $44.92

$29.83 $29.83

$74.6 $74.6

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$30.16 $30.16

$25.13 $25.13

$65.4 $65.4

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$72.1 $72.1

$69.1 $69.1

$123 $123

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$84.7 $84.7

$305 $305

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,254 $1,254

$1,216 $1,216

$1,292 $1,292

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,095 $1,095

$996 $996

$1,493 $1,493

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,066 $2,066

$1,625 $1,625

$2,507 $2,507

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,498 $1,498

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,606 $1,606

$1,514 $1,514

$1,717 $1,717

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,548 $1,548

$1,486 $1,486

$1,617 $1,617

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,346 $3,346

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.68

6.19

7.75

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Scranton, PA - Frequently Asked Questions

Scranton offers a modest cost of living compared with larger metropolises, which often makes it appealing for travelers and remote workers. You’ll find value in housing, dining out, and local services, especially if you choose neighborhoods a short ride from downtown. For longer stays, the mix of historic houses and modern apartments can be comfortable without sacrificing access to parks, libraries, and cultural sites. Utilities and internet are generally reliable, though winter heating and seasonal maintenance may adjust your routine. The overall experience centers on everyday practicality, slower pace, and friendly neighborhoods that invite daily strolls and community events. Cost of Living in Scranton, PA, United States reflects a balance of affordability and quality of life that suits budget-minded visitors and remote teams. Tip: Map a few core neighborhoods to test commute times and vibe.

For a sense of Scranton living cost, you’ll find a mix of affordable rents in residential pockets and pricier options near the downtown core or university corridors. Housing search tends to reward longer leases and building management that offers flexible terms. Food options range from reliable grocery stores to casual eateries, with farmers markets during warmer months. Public transit covers the city and nearby towns, while biking and rideshare fill gaps. Co-working spaces offer quiet desks and social events that help you stay productive. Tip: Start with a few neighborhoods that fit your work hours and daily routine.

Quality of life in Scranton comes from choosing a pace and place that match your work and social life. A simple budgeting framework centers on essentials, flexible experiences, and smart shopping. In winter, you may rely on cozy indoor options and community events; in warmer months, outdoor markets, parks, and walks become daily highlights. Neighborhood fit depends on your priorities: downtown for cafes and coworking, East Side for quieter residential life, or the suburbs for space and family-friendly vibes. Look for seasonal discounts, local markets, and public programs that help stretch your budget. Tip: Visit multiple streets and blocks at different times to gauge noise, safety, and accessibility.