Question 1

Is Scranton, PA or Wilkes-Barre, PA cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

Scranton, PA is cheaper. The median home price in Scranton, PA is approximately $120,000 and in Wilkes-Barre, PA it is approximately $223,100 — a difference of $103,100.

Question 2

Is Scranton, PA or Wilkes-Barre, PA safer?

Accepted Answer

Wilkes-Barre, PA scores higher on safety. Scranton, PA has violent crime rated Moderate and property crime rated High. Wilkes-Barre, PA has violent crime rated Moderate and property crime rated Moderate.

Question 3

Is Scranton, PA or Wilkes-Barre, PA more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Wilkes-Barre, PA is more walkable. Scranton, PA has a Walk Score of 37/100 and Wilkes-Barre, PA has a Walk Score of 55/100.

Question 4

Which has better schools, Scranton, PA or Wilkes-Barre, PA?

Accepted Answer

Scranton, PA has higher-rated schools. Scranton, PA has a school rating of 6.2/10 and Wilkes-Barre, PA has a rating of 5.7/10.

Question 5

Should I live in Scranton, PA or Wilkes-Barre, PA?

Accepted Answer

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.

Category	Scranton, PA	Wilkes-Barre, PA
Housing
Verdict	Think twice	Good for now
Median Price	$120K ✓ Lower price	$223K
Median Rent	$860	$763 ✓ Lower rent
Median Income	$35K ✓ Higher income	$31K
Price Volatility	Moderate	Moderate
Getting Around
Walk Score	37/100	55/100 ✓ More walkable
Transit Score	17/100 ✓ Better transit	10/100
Bike Score	N/A	N/A
Commute	N/A	120 min
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	F	D+ ✓ Safer
Violent Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Property Crime	High	Moderate ✓ Lower risk
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Moderate	Moderate
Community
Schools	6.2/10 ✓ Better schools	5.7/10
Best for	low income rentersbudget familiesstudents	StudentsLow‑income familiesRetirees looking for cheap housing

Scranton, PA vs Wilkes-Barre, PA

Bottom line