According to the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator, Chester County is the most expensive place overall to live in southeastern Pennsylvania — and housing is at the top of the list. It costs residents $10,738 every month to maintain a modest standard of living. The Family Budget Calculator was used to determine the local cost of living, which includes housing, food, health care, transportation and other necessities. In many of the locations identified, housing costs can account for more than 30% of the expenses. The monthly housing cost in Chester County was $1,007 in 2020. It now stands at $1,718 — compared to $1,573 in Bucks County, $1,307 in Delaware County, $1,136 in Berks County and $1,656 in Montgomery County.
Source: The Mercury; 8/26/2024