Cost of Living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bucks County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bucks County ranks #1,285 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Bucks ranks near national affordability
Renters in Bucks County spend 16.5% of their income on housing, matching the national average and showing solid affordability for a wealthy suburban county. With a median household income of $111,951—49% above the national average of $74,755—residents here have significantly more breathing room than typical Americans.
Right at Pennsylvania's middle
Bucks County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio ties the state average, placing it squarely in the middle of Pennsylvania's affordability spectrum. While the county's median rent of $1,537 runs 60% above the state average of $960, higher incomes offset this premium.
Pricier than Chester, cheaper than needed
Bucks rents sit $154 below neighboring Chester County's $1,691 median but run $373 higher than Butler County's $1,018. The trade-off: Bucks offers stronger job markets and amenities that justify its higher costs for many residents.
Where Bucks income goes
Renters pay $1,537 monthly while homeowners spend $1,872, consuming 16.5% and 20.2% of the $111,951 median household income respectively. Together, these figures show that most Bucks households comfortably cover housing while maintaining substantial discretionary income.
Consider Bucks if you value stability
Moving to Bucks makes sense if you're relocating for a solid income and want suburban living without the extreme affordability squeeze of Chester County or the trade-offs of rural Pennsylvania alternatives. Compare your expected salary against the $1,537 average rent and $421,700 median home value to ensure the fit.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bucks County
Affordability Verdict
Bucks County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,537/month — about 16.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Bucks County is $1,537/month, while owner costs run $1,872/month. Renting saves approximately $335/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $61,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $80,229/year. With a median household income of $111,951, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Bucks County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Bucks County sits 5% less expensive than Montgomery County ($1,612/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bucks County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,612
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.1%
of gross income
The median home in Bucks County may be a stretch
Median home value is $421,700. Estimated monthly cost: $3,367 vs. your max of $2,612.
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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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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