Scranton vs Philadelphia for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Scranton Pennsylvania | Philadelphia Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $850Better | $1,600 |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,400Better | $2,600 |
| Median home price | $165KBetter | $290K |
| Median household income | $46K | $55KBetter |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,079Better | $1,391 |
| State income tax | 3.1%Better | 3.1% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6%Better | 8% |
| Monthly utilities | $165 | $160Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 95Better | 103 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Scranton or Philadelphia?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Scranton scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,400/mo in Scranton vs $2,600/mo. Scranton is approximately 22% cheaper overall. That said, both cities have strong family communities — the right choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and proximity to family.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Scranton vs Philadelphia?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,400/month in Scranton and $2,600/month in Philadelphia. Scranton is 46% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Scranton or Philadelphia?
The price-to-income ratio in Scranton is 3.6× ($165K median home, $46K median income). In Philadelphia it's 5.3× ($290K home, $55K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Scranton is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Scranton vs Philadelphia?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,079/month in Scranton and $1,391/month in Philadelphia, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$3,744/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Scranton has a 3.1% state income tax rate vs Philadelphia's 3.1% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $0/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Scranton has the same purchasing power as $129K in Philadelphia
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026