Can I Afford to Live in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania - Philadelphia and Pittsburgh at below-coastal prices with strong history. See median rent, home values, and the most affordable ZIP codes below.
Find ZIP Codes You Can Afford in Pennsylvania
Enter your salary to see neighborhoods in your budget.
🏠 To Buy in Pennsylvania
With median home value of $235,000, you'd typically need an income of at least $58,750/year and a down payment of $23,500 (10%).
🏘️ To Rent in Pennsylvania
With median rent of $1,050/month, you should earn at least $38K/year (30% rent-to-income rule). This is below the US median of $1,163/mo.
💰 Median Income
Pennsylvania residents earn a median household income of $67,587/year. Rent takes approximately 19% of median income.
Most Affordable ZIP Codes in Pennsylvania
Ranked by lowest median rent, minimum population 3,000+
| # | ZIP · City | Rent/mo | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15201 Pittsburgh | $923 | 52 |
| 2 | 19104 Philadelphia | $985 | 56 |
| 3 | 15213 Pittsburgh | $1,117 | 66 |
| 4 | 15206 Pittsburgh | $1,170 | 68 |
| 5 | 15203 Pittsburgh | $1,175 | 65 |
| 6 | 19102 Philadelphia | $1,270 | 69 |
| 7 | 19119 Philadelphia | $1,287 | 62 |
| 8 | 19128 Philadelphia | $1,291 | 64 |
| 9 | 15217 Pittsburgh | $1,684 | 75 |
| 10 | 19106 Philadelphia | $1,863 | 78 |
| 11 | 19103 Philadelphia | $1,957 | 78 |
| 12 | 15232 Pittsburgh | $3,359 | 83 |
Top-Rated Neighborhoods in Pennsylvania
Highest ZipScore - best combination of safety, schools, and quality of life
FAQs: Living in Pennsylvania
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Pennsylvania?
To live comfortably in Pennsylvania, you'd want to earn at least $37,800/year to rent at the median price without being cost-burdened (spending more than 30% of income on housing). To buy at the median home price of $235,000, aim for a salary of $58,750+.
Is Pennsylvania expensive to live in?
Pennsylvania has a median rent of $1,050/month, which is below the US national median of $1,163. Cost varies significantly by city and neighborhood - the table above shows the most affordable ZIP codes in Pennsylvania.
What is the most affordable city in Pennsylvania?
The most affordable ZIP codes in Pennsylvania are ranked in the table above by median rent. Smaller cities and suburbs typically offer significantly lower costs than the major metro areas. Click any ZIP code to see its full neighborhood profile.