In the past decade, the cost of living in Pennsylvania has steadily increased, reflecting wider economic changes that have affected everyday citizens. As we enter 2025, understanding the living wage — the amount needed to cover basic expenses — has never been more important. This article breaks down the living wage across various regions of Pennsylvania, revealing how much you need to earn to live comfortably in the state.
What is a Living Wage?
A “living wage” refers to the minimum amount an individual or household must earn to cover essential costs, such as housing, food, healthcare, and transportation, without requiring government assistance. It’s important to note that a living wage is not the same as the minimum wage, which is often lower and does not reflect the actual cost of living in specific areas.
According to MIT’s living wage calculator, which breaks down wages by household size and county, the figures have seen significant increases over the past few years, mainly due to inflation and rising living costs.
Inflation’s Impact on the Cost of Living
Since 2009, Pennsylvania, like much of the U.S., has witnessed rising inflation rates. The value of a dollar dropped significantly between 2009 and 2020, falling by approximately 20%. However, the more rapid inflation between 2020 and early 2025 has made everyday expenses even harder to manage for Pennsylvanians.
This inflationary pressure has not gone unnoticed. As Klingensmith, an economic expert, explains, “This more rapid inflation has been very visible for the average Pennsylvanian.” While the U.S. economy remains strong, certain economic challenges, such as trade tariffs and changes in federal policies, could further impact the cost of living.
For example, if tariffs are imposed on goods imported from Canada, like petroleum, cars, and paper products, prices for these everyday items could rise, leading to higher costs for residents of Pennsylvania.
Living Wage Breakdown for Centre County and State College
To give a clearer picture of what a living wage looks like across the state, let’s take a look at Centre County and its largest city, State College. Here’s the breakdown for a living wage in the area, according to MIT’s 2025 data:
- $23.15 per hour for a single adult with no children
- $40.91 per hour for a single adult with one child
- $52.72 per hour for a single adult with two children
- $15.67 per hour for two working adults with no children
- $22.86 per hour for two working adults with one child
- $28.92 per hour for two working adults with two children
These numbers represent the hourly wage needed to cover basic expenses without relying on government assistance. The living wage for a single adult in Centre County has seen an increase of $5.54 per hour since December 2022, which translates to an annual increase of $11,523.20 for someone working 2,080 hours per year.
In comparison, the living wage in State College in 2022 was $17.61 per hour. This shows a significant jump, reflecting the increased cost of living in just a few years.
Comparison of Living Wages in Nearby Counties
For those living outside Centre County, the living wage varies across Pennsylvania’s surrounding counties. Here’s how the living wage for a single adult with no children compares in nearby counties:
- Clearfield County: $19.03 per hour
- Clinton County: $19.76 per hour
- Union County: $19.93 per hour
- Mifflin County: $19.20 per hour
- Huntingdon County: $19.54 per hour
- Blair County: $18.96 per hour
This shows that the cost of living is slightly lower in these counties compared to Centre County, but it’s still clear that a single adult without children in Pennsylvania will need to earn at least $19 per hour to meet basic needs.
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia Areas
Pittsburgh, the state’s second-largest city, has a living wage of $21.13 per hour for a single adult without children, while the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area requires $24.12 per hour to cover similar expenses. These figures highlight the regional differences in living wages, with urban areas such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia requiring higher wages to keep up with the rising costs of living.
Factors Driving Wage Growth
Several factors have contributed to the increasing living wage in Pennsylvania, with inflation being a major one. As inflation continues to impact everyday expenses, wages must rise to keep pace. While the U.S. economy remains relatively strong, there are ongoing concerns that future changes in trade policies, particularly with Canada, could increase the cost of goods and services.
For instance, tariffs on imports from Canada, including petroleum, cars, and paper, would make these goods more expensive for Pennsylvanians, further driving up the cost of living in the state.
Conclusion
In 2025, it’s clear that the cost of living in Pennsylvania has risen significantly, and wages have had to rise accordingly. Pennsylvanians in areas like Centre County, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia will need to earn more to maintain a basic standard of living. This means that the average worker in these areas will need to make more than the state’s minimum wage to afford essentials.
As inflation continues to affect the state’s economy, it will be crucial for workers and policymakers to consider how to adjust wages and address rising costs to ensure that all residents can meet their basic needs.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.