Peoria vs Scranton for First-Time Homebuyers (2026)
Scroll down for down payment requirements, savings timelines, and FAQ.
Your move simulator
Tell us about your household — we calculate your real annual savings.
Estimated annual swing
−$1,475/yr
Favoring Scranton for this income & household (illustrative).
With an extra $123/mo in Scranton, you could max a Roth IRA contribution faster and still grow your savings buffer.
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Mortgage rates
Check mortgage rates in Scranton before you commit
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High-yield savings
Grow your move fund while rates are high
Even $123/mo extra earns meaningfully at 4–5% APY vs near-zero in checking.
Home + auto bundle
New state — compare rates before you sign
Moving to Scranton resets your insurance profile. Bundling home + auto often saves 15–25%.
Full first-time buyer cost breakdown
| Metric | Peoria Illinois | Scranton Pennsylvania | Your impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $175K | $165KBetter | — |
| Price-to-income ratio | 3.5×Better | 3.6× | — |
| Down payment (20%) | $35,000 | $33,000Better | — |
| Months to save down payment | 8 moBetter | 9 mo | — |
| Est. monthly mortgage (7%, 30yr) | $931 | $878Better | $636/yr saves in Scranton |
| Monthly utilities | $158Better | $165 | — |
| State income tax | 5% | 3.1%Better | $1,425/yr saves in Scranton |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.5% | 6%Better | — |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 83Better | 83 | — |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
New homeowner must-have
You'll need homeowners insurance from day one
Lenders require it. Compare plans now so you're ready to close — the right policy also protects against disasters.
Complete the Picture
While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
Mortgages
See what you can afford in Scranton
Compare rates from top lenders before your move — pre-approval is free and won't affect your score.
Home & Auto Insurance
Bundle before you move — save 15–25%
New state means new rates. Lock in Scranton homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
Turn closing costs & moving expenses into cash back
Average family spends $6,200 on a move. These cards pay 2–4% back + 0% intro APR on purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Is Peoria or Scranton better for first-time homebuyers?
Peoria and Scranton are closely matched for first-time homebuyers. Home prices, income levels, and tax burdens are comparable. Your specific priorities — job market, neighborhood, commute — should drive the decision.
What is the down payment needed to buy in Peoria vs Scranton?
A standard 20% down payment is $35,000 in Peoria and $33,000 in Scranton. FHA minimum (3.5%): $6,125 in Peoria vs $5,775 in Scranton. FHA loans allow lower down payments but require mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) for the life of the loan if you put down less than 10%.
What would my mortgage be in Peoria vs Scranton?
Assuming 20% down, 7% fixed rate, 30-year term: estimated monthly principal and interest is $931 in Peoria and $878 in Scranton. That's a difference of $53/month. Note: actual payments will also include property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and possibly PMI. Mortgage rates change frequently — use these as a baseline only.
How long would it take to save for a down payment in Peoria?
Saving 15% of gross income monthly, it would take approximately 4 years 8 months to save a 20% down payment in Peoria ($35,000 needed) vs 4 years 9 months in Scranton ($33,000 needed). This assumes no existing savings. Many first-time buyers combine down payment savings with gift funds or down payment assistance programs to shorten this timeline.
Which city has lower property and income taxes for homeowners?
Peoria has a 5% state income tax rate vs Scranton's 3.1% rate. On a $170,000/yr income, the difference is ~$269/month in take-home pay. Property taxes vary significantly by neighborhood and assessed value — check local county rates when evaluating specific homes.
$75K in Peoria has the same purchasing power as $75K in Scranton
Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down payment at 7% fixed rate, 30-year term. Actual rates vary. Down payment savings timeline assumes 15% of gross income saved monthly. Data: Zillow, BLS, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026