Cost of Living in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Population: 44,217 • 2026 Data
$47,970
Median Household Income
-38% vs national
$939
Median Monthly Rent
-30% vs national
$108,000
Median Home Value
-68% vs national
8.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Wilkes-Barre
The median home value in Wilkes-Barre, PA is $108,000. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $939, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $902.
Rent-to-income ratio: 23.5%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Wilkes-Barre, PA is $47,970. The unemployment rate stands at 8.3%, with a labor force of 21,210 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.