Cost of Living in Pennsylvania
Housing costs, rent, income, and affordability for 1,969 cities in PA. Updated 2026.
Understanding the cost of living in Pennsylvania is essential whether you're planning a move, comparing job offers, or evaluating real estate investments. This page breaks down housing costs, rent prices, and median household income for every city in Pennsylvania, with comparisons to national averages.
Pennsylvania's average home value of $179,560 is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The average median household income is $68,159, and average monthly rent is $758.
Most Affordable Cities in Pennsylvania
Cities with population 5,000+ ranked by lowest median home value.
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnstown | $42,100 | $616/mo | $34,784 | 18,245 |
| 2 | Shamokin | $57,400 | $649/mo | $36,438 | 6,890 |
| 3 | Duquesne | $57,500 | $725/mo | $41,208 | 5,186 |
| 4 | Clairton | $59,100 | $932/mo | $39,884 | 6,105 |
| 5 | Oil City | $66,600 | $799/mo | $52,688 | 9,517 |
| 6 | McKeesport | $69,800 | $786/mo | $31,854 | 17,520 |
| 7 | McKees Rocks | $70,400 | $933/mo | $33,510 | 5,827 |
| 8 | New Castle | $72,000 | $698/mo | $41,478 | 21,727 |
| 9 | Mount Carmel | $74,700 | $796/mo | $52,667 | 5,695 |
| 10 | Bradford | $76,400 | $745/mo | $56,330 | 7,738 |
| 11 | Tamaqua | $78,500 | $935/mo | $44,803 | 6,922 |
| 12 | Sharon | $79,100 | $780/mo | $44,595 | 13,019 |
| 13 | Titusville | $79,400 | $596/mo | $36,055 | 5,230 |
| 14 | Chester | $85,400 | $1,080/mo | $39,809 | 33,209 |
| 15 | Plymouth | $85,400 | $923/mo | $42,348 | 5,761 |
Most Expensive Cities in Pennsylvania
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Villanova | $945,600 | $0/mo | $250,001 | 8,431 |
| 2 | Fox Chapel | $880,100 | $0/mo | $250,001 | 5,264 |
| 3 | Merion Station | $875,500 | $2,395/mo | $250,001 | 5,796 |
| 4 | Spring House | $668,400 | $2,833/mo | $178,068 | 5,068 |
| 5 | Wayne | $664,900 | $1,993/mo | $143,981 | 6,902 |
| 6 | Bala Cynwyd | $628,400 | $1,812/mo | $144,453 | 9,622 |
| 7 | Churchville | $607,700 | $0/mo | $188,146 | 6,139 |
| 8 | Blue Bell | $581,500 | $3,111/mo | $159,963 | 6,450 |
| 9 | Newtown Grant | $571,900 | $2,379/mo | $175,403 | 6,070 |
| 10 | Fort Washington | $561,000 | $2,031/mo | $159,302 | 6,105 |
Highest Income Cities in Pennsylvania
| # | City | Median Income | Home Value | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fox Chapel | $250,001 | $880,100 | 5,264 |
| 2 | Merion Station | $250,001 | $875,500 | 5,796 |
| 3 | Villanova | $250,001 | $945,600 | 8,431 |
| 4 | Churchville | $188,146 | $607,700 | 6,139 |
| 5 | Spring House | $178,068 | $668,400 | 5,068 |
| 6 | Newtown Grant | $175,403 | $571,900 | 6,070 |
| 7 | Maple Glen | $173,110 | $543,800 | 6,851 |
| 8 | Franklin Park | $172,200 | $467,700 | 15,273 |
| 9 | Blue Bell | $159,963 | $581,500 | 6,450 |
| 10 | Fort Washington | $159,302 | $561,000 | 6,105 |
Cost of Living FAQ — Pennsylvania
What is the average cost of living in Pennsylvania?
The average median home value across Pennsylvania cities is $179,560, with average rent of $758/month. The average median household income is $68,159.
What are the cheapest cities in Pennsylvania?
The most affordable cities in Pennsylvania by home value include Johnstown ($42,100), Shamokin ($57,400), Duquesne ($57,500).
What is the most expensive city in Pennsylvania?
The most expensive city in Pennsylvania is Villanova with a median home value of $945,600.
How does Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Pennsylvania's average home value of $179,560 is below the national median of $244,900. Median rent of $758/month is below the US average of $1,163.