Skip to Main Content

SOC 101: Cost of Living Resources

Finding Cost of Living Resources

Useful websites

Here is a list of helpful websites for gathering information on costs of living. These are not the only places to find information, but serve as a starting point. Good Luck! Have questions? Ask Us!

Basic Budgets

Housing

  • Find homes for sale on Zillow: Data on prices and property taxes on real homes. Find property taxes and estimated insurance costs information toward bottom of home page.

Transportation

Utilities

Pennsylvania allows you to choose your gas and electric companies

Food Costs

  • Food prices (pdf): USDA official food plans: average weekly and monthly costs by age December 2013.

Child care

Health Care

  • HealthCare.govClick "See plans before I apply" to see sample packages catered to your family. This is the official national health insurance exchange established by the Affordable Care Act.

State assistance