City vs city
Hickory, NC vs Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Rent is 12% lower in Wilkes-Barre (median $946/mo vs $1,063/mo in Hickory).
- Homes cost 138% less in Wilkes-Barre ($117k vs $278k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $132 more a month after taxes and rent in Wilkes-Barre.
- Schools rate higher in Hickory (5.5/10 vs 2.4/10).
- Wilkes-Barre has less violent crime (4.1 vs 5.6 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Hickory has milder winters (40°F vs 28°F average).
- Hickory gets more sun (231 vs 193 sunny days a year).
| Hickory | Wilkes-Barre | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,063/mo | $946/mo |
| Median home value | $278k | $117k |
| Median household income | $65k | $49k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,863 | $3,995 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 5.5/10 | 2.4/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.6× the US rate | 1.1× the US rate |
| Summer average | 87°F | 85°F |
| Winter average | 40°F | 28°F |
| Sunny days a year | 231 | 193 |
| Walk score | 53 | 34 |
| Population | 44,258 | 44,423 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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