Moving from Harrisburg to Scranton (2026)
Scranton has a COL index of 83 vs 90 for Harrisburg (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Scranton to match your Harrisburg lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Harrisburg | Equivalent in Scranton |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,889 |
| $50K | $46,111 |
| $60K | $55,333 |
| $75K | $69,167 |
| $80K | $73,778 |
| $100K | $92,222 |
| $120K | $110,667 |
| $150K | $138,333 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Harrisburg vs Scranton
| Expense | Harrisburg | Scranton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,547 | $4,547 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $372 | $361 |
| Transport | $72 | $58 |
| Utilities | $175 | $165 |
| Internet | $63 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,615 | $2,851 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $236 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Harrisburg — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Scranton cheaper than Harrisburg?
Yes. Scranton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 90 for Harrisburg (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Harrisburg to Scranton?
On a $75K salary, moving from Harrisburg to Scranton saves roughly $200/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,400/year.
What salary do I need in Scranton to match my Harrisburg lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Harrisburg, you'd need roughly $69,167/year in Scranton. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only