No one knows the importance of saving a dollar or two like a college student. Between tuition, books, and other necessary college expenses, it can often be a challenge to scrape together enough for things like:

• healthcare
• transportation
• entertainment

Fortunately, Pennsylvania students have a number of options for saving some money and living well during their college years, including studying in one of these affordable college towns in Pennsylvania.

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With a cost of living that is right on par with the national average, Pennsylvania is a much more affordable place to live than many of its neighbors in New England and on the East Coast, though it also has a relatively high population density. This is good news for students attending any of Pennsylvania’s 450 colleges and universities. To figure out which Pennsylvania college towns are most affordable, we looked at costs for:

• housing
• food
• healthcare
• transportation
• utilities

We compared them to the national average. We also considered features like:

• amenities
• crime rates
• public transportation
• overall quality of life

We then narrowed our list down to the 20 most affordable college towns in Pennsylvania.

Ranking Your College Town PA Options

1. (tie) Johnstown

University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Cost of Living: 26.5% Lower than the National Average; 26.8% Lower than the State Average
You may remember Johnstown from Bruce Springsteen’s hit song “The River,” but it’s also the home of University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. The school is ranked amongst the best in the northern United States. So Johnstown is a popular choice of place for students to spend their college years. Luckily, this is a great place to live on a college budget. Housing costs are 80% lower than the national average. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is about $560 per month. Below the national average are costs for:

• Food
• healthcare
• utilities
• transportation

Costs for entertainment are right at the national average.

1. (tie) Titusville

University of Pittsburgh at Titusville
Cost of Living: 26.5% Lower than the National Average; 26.8% Lower than the State Average
Titusville is a small historic town with a classic college feel. Originally the site of the world’s very first oil well, Titusville is now home to a University of Pittsburgh campus. This affordable Pennsylvania college regularly provides cultural events and other forms of entertainment. Popular pastimes in the surrounding countryside are:

• hiking
• hunting
• fishing

For those who need more, the bigger city of Erie is less than an hour away.

Food costs are about 2% higher than the national average. Other costs are lower than other places in Pennsylvania:

• healthcare
• transportation
• utilities
• entertainment

Even better, housing is only about 28% of the national average. Those looking to stay in Titusville a little more permanently may be pleased to know that a historic Victorian mansion in good condition can be yours for less than $200,000.

3. Wilkes-Barre

Wilkes University, Kings College, Misericordia University
Cost of Living: 26% Lower than the National Average; 26.3% Lower than the State Average
Wilkes-Barre a college town located in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It’s home to:

• King’s College
• Misericordia University
• Wilkes University

All three campuses are active around the community, and the large student population gives Wilkes-Barre a fun and vibrant college town feel. It’s affordable, too. Homes in the area sell for a median price of $52,700. Rentals average only about 30% of the national norm. On par with or below the national average are:

• Utilities
• food
• transportation
• entertainment

Wilkes-Barre is a fun, yet affordable, place to spend time. As such, we think it’s only fair to rank Wilkes-Barre as one of the best college towns in Pennsylvania.

4. Meadville

Allegheny College
Cost of Living: 22.6% Lower than the National Average; 22.9% Lower than the State Average
Students at Allegheny College have the pleasure of living in Meadville. It’s a quaint historic town located along the banks of French Creek in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Meadville has been both the Zipper Capital of the World and “Tool City, USA.” It’s currently an active center for:

• business
• industry
• education
• the arts
• recreation
• tourism

Such a solid local economy means good things for students on a college budget. Meadville’s cost of living is nearly 23% less than the national average. The lowest cost categories are:

• healthcare
• housing
• transportation
• entertainment.

5. Erie

Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, Penn State Erie
Cost of Living: 20.7% Lower than the National Average; 21% Lower than the State Average
Erie, located along the shores of Lake Erie in northwestern Pennsylvania, is a happening place. A strong local theater scene means Erie residents are always well entertained. Also popular and affordable are:

• several museums (including the renowned Erie Art Museum)
• the Erie Zoo
• Presque Isle State Park

Erie is even well known for its party scene, and it has one of the highest bars-to-citizens ratios in the country! Luckily, Erie is also a safe and walkable city.

Entertainment is the only main category that is slightly more expensive than the national average. Well below the norm are:

• Food, healthcare, transportation, and utilities

Food, healthcare, transportation, and utilities are all well below the norm, while housing costs are less than half of the national average.

6. Scranton

University of Scranton, Marywood University, Lackawanna College
Cost of Living: 19.3% Lower than the National Average; 19.6% Lower than the State Average
Near Wilkes-Barre in northeastern Pennsylvania is Scranton, home to:

• the University of Scranton
• Johnson College
• Marywood University
• Lackawanna College, among others.

Despite being a metropolitan area, Scranton has a laid-back college town feel to it. Best yet, it’s one of the most affordable college towns in Pennsylvania. This is especially helpful for those with the budget of a college student. Significantly below the national average are costs for:

• Healthcare
• transportation
• food

Housing is less than half that of similarly sized towns in the United States.

7. Reading

Albright College, Alvernia University, Penn State Berks, Baker College of Reading
Cost of Living: 18% Lower than the National Average; 18.3% Lower than the State Average
Despite having fewer than 90,000 residents, Reading is home to an amazing four colleges:

• Albright College
• Alvernia University
• the PACE Institute
• Reading Area Community College

On par with the national average are:

• food
• utilities
• entertainment

Housing in Reading is a whopping 73% lower than the national average! Indeed, the typical home in Reading sells for around $56,000 — nearly $120,000 less than elsewhere. With a cost of living like this, students may just want to stay in Reading forever.

8. Grove City

Grove City College
Cost of Living: 15.6% Lower than the National Average; 15.9% Lower than the State Average
Grove City is home to Grove City College, a small liberal arts school that’s well known for the Christian education it provides its students. Grove City residents enjoy a cost of living that is well below that of the national average. To be specific:

• food costs are 5% less
• healthcare is 15.5% less
• entertainment is 1.5% less
• transportation is 8.5% less,
• housing is a whopping 37.2% less

Much of Grove City’s lower cost of living has to do with the fact that it’s a rural community located in northwestern Pennsylvania. Luckily for those who occasionally crave a little more action, Grove City is conveniently located near the intersection of Interstates 79 and 80. So bigger cities — Erie and Pittsburgh — are each less than an hour away.

9. Lewisburg

Bucknell University
Cost of Living: 9.4% Lower than the National Average; 9.7% Lower than the State Average
One would be hard pressed to find a prettier place to spend four years than Lewisburg, home to Bucknell University. Situated between the Susquehanna River and the Allegheny Mountains, Lewisburg is a place where residents live well. The whole town is listed on the National Historic Register thanks to well-preserved places like:

• the 1941 Art Deco movie theater
• restaurants housed in old buildings
• an impressive collection of historic homes

Bucknell is a very desirable private liberal arts university, so the college scene is an important part of this small town of 6,000 people.

10. Lancaster

Franklin & Marshall College
Cost of Living: 7% Lower than the National Average; 7.3% Lower than the State Average
When most people hear Lancaster, Pennsylvania, they think of cows and the Amish, but this historically significant town has much more to offer. Home to Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster boasts:

• thriving healthcare and tourism industries
• lively entertainment
• a wide representation of international cultures
• a vibrant college scene.

Best of all, Lancaster’s cost of living is 7% lower than the national average, making this one of the best college towns in Pennsylvania.

The Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market. It provides residents with a large selection of affordable goods and produce locally grown and made by:

• farmers
• merchants
• the Amish.

fPlus, Lancaster is safe. The city has more CCTV outdoor cameras per capita than most other cities, which goes a long way to keeping the local population safe and happy.

11. Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon, Chatham University, Duquesne University
Cost of Living: 5.8% Lower than the National Average; 6.1% Lower than the State Average
A big city like Pittsburgh can’t really be considered a college town. But the fact that it is home to more than 70 colleges and universities is reason enough for us to include it on this list. And with an overall cost of living that is 6% less than the national average, it’s one of the most affordable large cities in the United States. Indeed, students living in Pittsburgh take advantage of the city’s:

• low food costs (5% lower than the national average)
• healthcare costs (11% lower than the national average)
• housing (25.8% lower than the national average).

There are plenty of fun yet affordable pastimes available:

• the various cultural districts
• lively bar scene (it has the most bars per capita in the entire country)
• libraries
• museums

The presence of large companies like Apple, Google, and Intel offers plenty of incentive to stick around after graduation.

12. Carlisle

Dickinson College, United States Army War College
Cost of Living: 5% Lower than the National Average; 5.3% Lower than the State Average
A small community with a diverse international flair, Carlisle is home to Dickinson College and the U.S. Army War College. Carlisle has one of the best collections of Colonial and Victorian-era homes. With a cost of living that is below both the national and state averages, it’s also an affordable collection of historic homes. Contributing to the high quality of life in Carlisle are:

• Art galleries
• international restaurants
• a popular theater scene

Indeed, Forbes magazines voted it one of the “most livable cities” in America. For the many local nature lovers, the nearby Appalachian Trail offers miles of beautiful hiking trails. Myriad local creeks and lakes means good fishing, swimming, and camping.

13. Allentown

Muhlenberg College, Cedar Crest College
Cost of Living: 4.6% Lower than the National Average; 4.9% Lower than the State Average
Allentown, the largest city in Pennsylvania’s beautiful Lehigh Valley, is a desirable community known for its:

• long-held traditions
• proud culture
• rich history
• award-winning parks system

Home to Muhlenberg College and Cedar Crest College, Allentown is also one of the best college towns in Pennsylvania.

Food costs are only .10% higher than the national average. Students may even be able to save even more money by shopping at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market, where local farmers and merchants sell everything from produce to candy. Averaging 3-17% higher than the national average are:

• Healthcare
• utilities
• entertainment
• transportation

Housing costs come in at roughly 35% lower.

14. Gettysburg

Gettysburg College
Cost of Living: 3.2% Lower than the National Average; 3.5% Lower than the State Average
Gettysburg is one of the most famous historical college towns in the nation. It’s home to the highly selective Gettysburg College. Between the college’s on-campus night club, miniature golf course, and restaurants, a student’s entire social life can occur on the Gettysburg campus. Among college towns, though, Gettysburg itself isn’t a bad place to hang out (when it’s not overrun with tourists). The area surrounding the battlefield is a fun place to hang out or grab a bite to eat. The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg makes shopping at affordable prices a breeze. Plus, when you want to experience the life of a bigger city, all these are within easy access:

• Washington, D.C.,
• Baltimore
• Harrisburg
• Philadelphia

15. Bethlehem

Lehigh University, Moravian College
Cost of Living: 1.9% Lower than the National Average; 2.2% Lower than the State Average
Home to Lehigh University, Bethlehem is an upscale rural community located in eastern Pennsylvania. Life is quiet in the beautiful Lehigh Valley. The local college scene often hosts festivals and other recreational amenities for both the student and local populations. The downtown historic area is a good place for walking, shopping, or enjoying any of the locally owned restaurants and cafes. Nearby Allentown is a great option for an evening away in the “big city.” The cost of living in Bethlehem is right on par with the national average. Measuring only slightly higher than the rest of the country are:

• food
• healthcare
• housing
• entertainment

16. State College

Pennsylvania State University
Cost of Living: 13% Higher than the National Average; 13.3% Higher than the State Average
One of the best-known college towns in Pennsylvania, State College ,is home to prestigious Pennsylvania State University. Located in the region known as “Happy Valley,” both locals and Penn State University students live well here.

Housing costs are nearly 63% higher than the national average. However, well below the national norm are:

• food
• healthcare
• utilities
• transportation
• entertainment

The State College area has a stellar safety rating. The town’s has many festivals and events, and a lively club and restaurant scene. Plus, a strong local economy has meant great job opportunities for students and graduates of Pennsylvania State University. This helps make this town one of the best affordable college towns in Pennsylvania.

17. Swarthmore

Swarthmore College
Cost of Living: 23.4% Higher than the National Average; 23.7% Higher than the State Average
Swarthmore, better known as “The Ville,” is another quiet small town with a laid-back vibe. The majority of town is made up of upscale neighborhoods, though a small downtown provides students with the basics:

• a grocery store
• pizza parlor
• a few restaurants
• Target

One of the most popular local pastimes is hiking and exploring Crum Woods, a woody nature reserve located right next to the Swarthmore College campus. The quaintness of Swarthmore is part of the reason its cost of living is 23% higher than the national average. Still, when students need bigger stores or a livelier scene, Philadelphia is a short drive away.

18. West Chester

West Chester University, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Cost of Living: 40.3% Higher than the National Average; 40.6% Higher than the State Average
West Chester, home to West Chester University, is 1.8 square miles of picture perfection. Nearly 90% of this small town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, giving it a certain old-world charm that one would be hard-pressed to find in other college towns.

While much of West Chester’s population is made up of students, the town is also popular among:

• young professionals
• families
• retirees

In the downtown area of West Chester (which comes complete with brick sidewalks), residents have more than 50 restaurants and eateries to choose from. Also plentiful are:

• shops and boutiques
• art galleries
• entertainment venues

West Chester’s cost of living is higher than most other places in Pennsylvania. However, those who are able will happily pay 40% more than the national average to live in this tight-knit college town.

19. Radnor

Cabrini University, Eastern University
Cost of Living: 99.4% Higher than the National Average; 99.7% Higher than the State Average
Mansions, mansions, and more mansions. That’s what makes up most of the sights to see in Radnor. It’s home to Cabrini University and Eastern University. Radnor offers its residents — a large percentage of whom are students — an upscale and quiet existence in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The town boasts a stable economy, due in large part to the fact that companies like J.G. Wentworth, TV Guide, Airgas, and Lincoln Financial Group are headquartered there.

Though Radnor’s cost of living is practically double the national average, the individual cost categories vary dramatically. Housing is the highest at 292% above the national norm. Food is the lowest at only .1% higher. And as nice as Radnor is, the town’s stop on the Main Line means students can get to the big city of Philadelphia in a breeze.

20. Villanova

Villanova University
Cost of Living: 122.7% Higher than the National Average; 123% Higher than the State Average
Villanova, home to Villanova University, is another affluent Philadelphia suburb located on the Main Line. It’s a quaint town chock-full of charm. The busy downtown area is lined with shops and restaurants, some of which are more budget-friendly than others. When students are in need of a little big-city action, a train leaves the Villanova campus and reaches Philadelphia and other surrounding towns in a matter of minutes. Housing in Villanova is more expensive than any other town on this list. But other costs are all on par with the national average:

• food
• healthcare
• utilities
• transportation
• miscellaneous.

Consider Villanova as a best college town PA option.

GCD Staff
October 2019

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This concludes our article on the best college towns in Pennsylvania.

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