Rent Affordability for Pennsylvania (2026)
Pennsylvania (PA) Key Facts
Average 1 B R Rent
$1,100
Median Monthly Income
$5,583
Recommended Max Rent (30% Rule)
$1,675
Affordability Gap
Affordable
Rent to Income Ratio
19.7%
How This Calculator Works in Pennsylvania
This rent affordability calculator helps you determine how much rent you can reasonably afford in Pennsylvania based on your income and the 30% rule. Enter your monthly income and desired rent to see whether your housing costs are within a healthy range. The calculator also shows how your situation compares to the Pennsylvania average.
Pennsylvania Overview
With a median household income of $67,000, Pennsylvania residents can afford roughly $1,675/month in rent under the 30% guideline. Average 1-bedroom rent is about $1,100/month. State income taxes in Pennsylvania reduce your take-home pay, so base your rent budget on net income rather than gross for a more realistic picture.
How Pennsylvania Compares
Pennsylvania's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% is within the recommended 30% range. In neighboring New York, the ratio is 27.2%. Nationally, about half of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, highlighting the widespread challenge of rental affordability.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $1,700 | Average 1BR rent is $1,700 with median monthly income of $6,250. The 30% rule allows $1,875 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| New Jersey | $1,600 | Average 1BR rent is $1,600 with median monthly income of $7,250. The 30% rule allows $2,175 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Ohio | $900 | Average 1BR rent is $900 with median monthly income of $4,833. The 30% rule allows $1,450 for rent, which covers average rent. |
In Pennsylvania, the median household earns $67,000 annually ($5,583 per month). Using the 30% rule, the recommended maximum rent is $1,675 per month. With average 1BR rents at $1,100, rents are within the recommended affordability range. Nationally, about half of renters are considered cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of income on housing).
Tips for Pennsylvania Residents
- 1The 30% rule suggests spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. In Pennsylvania, with a median household income of $67,000, the maximum recommended rent is about $1,675/month.
- 2Average 1-bedroom rent in Pennsylvania is roughly $1,100/month. This is within or near the 30% guideline for the median household, indicating reasonable affordability at the state level.
- 3State income taxes in Pennsylvania reduce your take-home pay, so base your rent budget on net income rather than gross for a more realistic picture.
- 4Beyond rent, budget for utilities ($100-$300/month), renters insurance ($15-$30/month), and any parking or pet fees. These can add 10-20% on top of your base rent in Pennsylvania.
- 5If you are spending more than 30% of income on rent in Pennsylvania, look into housing assistance programs such as Section 8 vouchers, state-funded rental assistance, or employer housing benefits.