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Cost of Living in Pennsylvania

Is it better to rent or buy in Pennsylvania? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$86,402
$1,288/mo

Median in area: $1,288

$282,589

Median in area: $282,589

$56,518

If you Rent

🔑
$1,494 /mo
Base Rent$1,288
Est. Utilities$206
% of Income20.7%
Pre-tax Residual$5,706

If you Buy

🏠
$2,088 /mo
P&I (6.907%)$1,490
Taxes & Ins$392
Est. Utilities$206
% of Income29.0%
Pre-tax Residual$5,112

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Pennsylvania?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Pennsylvania. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,494, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,088 per month (a difference of $594).

How much do utilities cost in Pennsylvania?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Pennsylvania is approximately $206. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Pennsylvania?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Pennsylvania without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $59,760 per year.