Living Alone in Scranton, PA: What It Really Costs
A complete monthly budget breakdown for a single person living independently in Scranton. Based on 2026 federal data adjusted for local cost of living.
A
$1,061/month
Scranton is 14% below the national average — a solid choice for solo living.
$18,189
Minimum Salary Needed
$21,826
Comfortable Salary
$399
Essential Costs
$662
Discretionary
What Does Solo Living in Scranton Look Like?
Scranton is a mid-size city in the Northeast with a population of 77,291 and a median household income of $38,476. For someone living alone, the biggest expense is housing — a studio or 1-bedroom apartment will run you about $120/month, which accounts for 11% of your total monthly spend. With costs running 14% below average, you can stretch a modest salary further here than in most major metros.
Complete Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | % of Budget | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $120 | 11% | Essential |
| 🛒 Groceries (one person) | $20 | 2% | Essential |
| ⚡ Utilities | $13 | 1% | Essential |
| 🚗 Transportation | $17 | 2% | Essential |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $174 | 16% | Essential |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $55 | 5% | Essential |
| 📡 Internet | $56 | 5% | Discretionary |
| 📱 Phone Plan | $66 | 6% | Discretionary |
| 🍽️ Dining Out | $215 | 20% | Discretionary |
| 🎬 Entertainment | $129 | 12% | Discretionary |
| 💇 Personal Care | $69 | 7% | Discretionary |
| 👕 Clothing | $82 | 8% | Discretionary |
| 📺 Subscriptions & Gym | $45 | 4% | Discretionary |
| Total Monthly Budget | $1,061 | 100% |
Can You Afford to Live Alone in Scranton?
Here's how different salary levels stack up against the solo living costs in Scranton:
$40,000
gross annual
+$1,406
monthly surplus
Save 57%
$50,000
gross annual
+$2,022
monthly surplus
Save 66%
$60,000
gross annual
+$2,639
monthly surplus
Save 71%
$75,000
gross annual
+$3,564
monthly surplus
Save 77%
$100,000
gross annual
+$5,106
monthly surplus
Save 83%
$125,000
gross annual
+$6,647
monthly surplus
Save 86%
Tips for Living Alone in Scranton
- 💡 Housing: Scranton's rent is manageable for solo earners. Focus on securing a lease with utilities included to stabilize your monthly costs.
- 🍳 Food: Cooking at home saves roughly $129/month vs eating out regularly. Meal prep on Sundays is the single biggest budget lever for solo dwellers.
- 🚌 Transport: In a small-size city like Scranton, a car is likely essential. Budget for maintenance separately — about $86/month.
- 🏥 Insurance: If your employer offers health coverage, your actual out-of-pocket drops significantly. The $55/month estimate assumes marketplace insurance.
- 💰 The 50/30/20 Rule: On a $21,826 salary, aim for $673 needs, $404 wants, $269 savings per month.
More Affordable Alternatives in the Northeast
Explore More for Scranton
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live alone in Scranton?
The estimated total monthly cost of living alone in Scranton is $1,061, including $120 for a studio/1-bedroom apartment,$20 for groceries, and $13 for utilities. This is 14% below the national average for solo living.
What salary do I need to live alone in Scranton?
You need a minimum gross salary of approximately $18,189 to cover basic living expenses alone in Scranton. For a comfortable lifestyle with a savings buffer, aim for at least $21,826.
Is Scranton affordable for a single person?
Yes, Scranton is more affordable than average for solo dwellers, with costs running 14% below the national median. This makes it a viable option even on a moderate income.
What is the biggest expense when living alone in Scranton?
Housing is by far the largest expense, accounting for 11% of the total monthly budget at $120/month for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. The next largest expenses are transportation ($17) and groceries ($20).