Cost of Living in Wilkes-Barre, PA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,495 (excluding rent), and $2,868 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,669 (excluding rent), and $5,538 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$29.54 $29.54

$14.77 $14.77

$52.0 $52.0

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$50.5 $50.5

$253 $253

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.43 $10.43

$17.38 $17.38

Cappuccino

$3.84 $3.84

$9.09 $9.09

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

$0.98 $0.98

$4.91 $4.91

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.60 $2.60

$1.98 $1.98

$3.96 $3.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.16 $8.16

$5.10 $5.10

$12.25 $12.25

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$12.17 $12.17

$8.12 $8.12

$15.22 $15.22

Milk (1 liter)

$1.62 $1.62

$1.09 $1.09

$2.71 $2.71

White Bread (500g)

$5.24 $5.24

$3.39 $3.39

$10.13 $10.13

Rice (white) (1kg)

$8.34 $8.34

$4.01 $4.01

$13.44 $13.44

Eggs

$7.19 $7.19

$3.05 $3.05

$10.68 $10.68

Local Cheese (1kg)

$17.61 $17.61

$9.33 $9.33

$44.63 $44.63

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$16.44 $16.44

$7.15 $7.15

$24.15 $24.15

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$20.55 $20.55

$13.47 $13.47

$33.67 $33.67

Apples (1kg)

$7.63 $7.63

$2.24 $2.24

$11.27 $11.27

Banana (1kg)

$2.51 $2.51

$1.33 $1.33

$6.66 $6.66

Oranges (1kg)

$5.89 $5.89

$2.24 $2.24

$11.22 $11.22

Tomato (1kg)

$6.21 $6.21

$2.14 $2.14

$10.74 $10.74

Potato (1kg)

$3.66 $3.66

$1.50 $1.50

$8.55 $8.55

Onion (1kg)

$4.12 $4.12

$2.23 $2.23

$6.77 $6.77

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.18 $3.18

$1.53 $1.53

$5.42 $5.42

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.45 $2.45

$1.34 $1.34

$3.40 $3.40

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$18.81 $18.81

$15.83 $15.83

$20.79 $20.79

Wine (Bottle)

$14.71 $14.71

$11.77 $11.77

$17.66 $17.66

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$3.04 $3.04

$1.78 $1.78

$4.41 $4.41

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.88 $3.88

$2.05 $2.05

$7.17 $7.17

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.97 $1.97

$1.23 $1.23

$1.97 $1.97

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.98 $4.98

$2.99 $2.99

$7.98 $7.98

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.39 $1.39

$2.01 $2.01

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$42.75 $42.75

$30.54 $30.54

$45.80 $45.80

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.97 $0.97

$0.81 $0.81

$1.23 $1.23

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

$34.8K $34.8K

$24.8K $24.8K

$36.1K $36.1K

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

$27.7K $27.7K

$25.1K $25.1K

$38.6K $38.6K

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

$181 $181

$110 $110

$299 $299

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

$59.5 $59.5

$29.82 $29.82

$99.4 $99.4

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$61.8 $61.8

$49.08 $49.08

$98.2 $98.2

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.36 $43.36

$17.65 $17.65

$50.4 $50.4

Cinema Ticket

$20.33 $20.33

$16.26 $16.26

$25.41 $25.41

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

$3,146 $3,146

$2,485 $2,485

$4,142 $4,142

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.6K $23.6K

$16.9K $16.9K

$27.4K $27.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$66.4 $66.4

$39.67 $39.67

$89.3 $89.3

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$48.71 $48.71

$25.34 $25.34

$76.0 $76.0

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$114 $114

$80.3 $80.3

$151 $151

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$170 $170

$99.7 $99.7

$249 $249

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,593 $1,593

$1,193 $1,193

$1,846 $1,846

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,330 $1,330

$983 $983

$1,474 $1,474

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,620 $2,620

$1,992 $1,992

$2,989 $2,989

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,190 $2,190

$1,675 $1,675

$2,464 $2,464

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,329 $4,329

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.44

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

Last update: March 1, 2026

Wilkes-Barre, PA Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Wilkes-Barre, PA - Frequently Asked Questions

Wilkes-Barre offers a practical blend of value and lifestyle for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. The Cost of Living in Wilkes-Barre, PA tends to be more approachable than many larger metros, with affordable housing options, a modest grocery bill, and doable daily expenses. The pace is slower, yet amenities like coworking spaces, reliable internet, and nearby outdoor getaways keep convenience high. Neighborhoods vary from compact downtown to leafy residential streets, so you can choose walkability or serenity. It's easy to stretch a modest budget without sacrificing essential comforts. Tip: start with short-term stays to test neighborhoods before committing long-term.

Daily life in Wilkes-Barre is approachable and practical, with options for housing search that favor flexibility. You’ll find rental listings in several neighborhoods, from compact apartments near downtown to larger rentals in quieter residential streets. Food options range from casual cafes to markets with local produce and familiar chains. For getting around, driving is common, but you can rely on regional bus routes or ride-sharing when needed. If you work remotely, look for coworking spaces or quiet cafés with reliable Wi-Fi. When budgeting, consider Wilkes-Barre, PA living cost across rent, utilities, and groceries. Tip: time your errands to avoid peak hours.

Quality of life here blends outdoor access, a tight-knit community, and affordable routines. A practical budgeting framework separates essential expenses from discretionary ones, and you can adapt seasonally: winters are cozy but require heating; summers are mild and great for outdoor work. Neighborhood fit matters; consider walkable cores for social life or quieter outskirts for longer stays. Practical savings tips include cooking at home, negotiating longer leases for slightly lower rent, and exploring second-hand shopping for furniture. Transportation options like cycling can reduce costs and keep you active. Tip: test a neighborhood through a weekend visit to see how it fits your pace.