Cost of Living in Berks County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Berks County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Berks County ranks #2,184 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 31%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Berks County, Pennsylvania
Berks stretches household budgets
Berks County renters spend 17.7% of income on housing—above the national average and Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%. With a median household income of $77,684 and median rent of $1,143, Berks represents one of the region's tighter affordability markets.
Among Pennsylvania's pricier counties
Berks ranks among the less affordable Pennsylvania counties with a rent-to-income ratio of 17.7%, the highest in this eight-county set. Monthly rent of $1,143 runs $183 above the state average of $960, reflecting strong regional demand.
Berks commands regional premium
Berks' $1,143 rent is the highest among all comparison counties—$341 above Armstrong and $232 above Beaver. Home values near $239,700 similarly position Berks as one of the region's priciest markets, second only to Adams.
Berks' elevated housing costs
Renters spend $1,143 monthly (17.7% of income), while homeowners pay $1,308 (20.2%)—the highest ownership burden in this region. Together, these costs consume more than one-third of household earnings when considering both rental and ownership pathways.
Berks for growth and amenities
Berks County's higher housing costs reflect strong job growth and urban amenities—consider this trade-off if relocating for career advancement. Compare affordability to nearby Armstrong, Bedford, or Beaver to maximize your housing dollar.
Cost of Living Advisory: Berks County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Berks County is affordable. The median rent is $1,143/month against a median household income of $77,684, putting rent at 17.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,143/month rent versus $1,308/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $165/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $45,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $56,057/year. With a median household income of $77,684, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Berks County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Lebanon County where rent averages $1,087/month, Berks County is approximately 5% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Berks County
Rent Burden
17.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,813
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.2%
of gross income
The median home in Berks County may be a stretch
Median home value is $239,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,914 vs. your max of $1,813.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Counties with Similar Housing Costs
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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