B+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
10%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Emmaus Pennsylvania National
Cost of living10698100
Goods & Services10899100
Groceries9899100
Health care9694100
Housing11091100
Transportation103106100
Utilities106107100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Emmaus, PA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Emmaus? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Emmaus stands at 106, making it 6% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

In Emmaus, daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Emmaus will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Emmaus Affordable?

Is Emmaus affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Emmaus, the median home price is 6.2% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 18.3% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Emmaus boasting a median household income of $71,422, 29.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Emmaus?

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Emmaus, the utilities index registers at 6% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Emmaus, healthcare costs are 4.2% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Emmaus, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Emmaus is 8% higher than the Pennsylvania average
  • The cost of living in Emmaus is 6% higher than the national average
  • Emmaus housing is 10% higher than the national average
  • Pennsylvania general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Pennsylvania state income tax is 18% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Emmaus

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Compare Emmaus, PA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

          This is how much you would need to earn in
          Price difference in compared to
          Cost of living index
          Goods & Services index
          Groceries index
          Health care index
          Housing index
          Transportation index
          Utilities index

          Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

          Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
          Owners$93,843$7,820$2,190$2,816
          Renters$46,853$3,904$1,093$1,406
          To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Emmaus, PA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Emmaus have a median income of $93,843. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,190 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $46,853, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,093.

          Pennsylvania Sales Tax

          State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
          Pennsylvania 6% 8%

          Pennsylvania Income Tax

          State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
          Pennsylvania 3.07% 3.07%

          Goods & Services

          Item Emmaus National avg. Difference
          Haircut $23.20$24.264.4%
          Beauty Salon $52.92$45.5616.1%
          Toothpaste $3.83$3.703.4%
          Shampoo $1.42$1.2811.1%
          Movie $12.43$12.132.4%
          Bowling $19.33$18.007.4%

          Groceries

          Item Emmaus National avg. Difference
          Ground Beef $5.76$5.841.4%
          Fried Chicken $1.42$1.579.9%
          Milk $4.54$4.672.8%
          Potatoes $5.37$4.938.8%
          Pizza $11.57$12.094.3%
          Beer $11.46$10.4110.1%

          Health Care

          Item Emmaus National avg. Difference
          Optometrist $125.11$125.680.5%
          Doctor $86.42$135.7836.4%
          Dentist $137.77$113.2921.6%
          Ibuprofen $10.74$10.650.8%
          Lipitor $447.50$468.604.5%

          Housing

          Item Emmaus National avg. Difference
          Home Price $196,200.00$184,700.006.2%
          Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,325.61$2,346.690.9%
          Apartment Rent $1,123.00$949.0018.3%

          Transportation

          Item Emmaus National avg. Difference
          Gasoline $3.51$3.461.6%
          Tire Balancing $64.44$59.927.5%

          Utilities

          Item Emmaus National avg. Difference
          All Electricity $210.10$193.998.3%
          Phone $195.81$192.251.9%
          Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

          Nearby cities with low cost of living

          City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
          DeSales University, PA9291044.3%
          Slatedale, PA4938911.3%
          Hereford, PA1,4869010.1%
          Lyons, PA552973.5%
          Easton, PA27,274972.6%
          Emmaus, PA11,4381065.9%

          Cities with similar population

          City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
          Terryville, NY11,43714140.8%
          Upper Montclair, NJ11,43918080.5%
          Ravenna, OH11,4368613.9%
          Gardnerville Ranchos, NV11,43212120.6%
          Manvel, TX11,4321088.4%
          Emmaus, PA11,4381065.9%
          Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.