Cost of Living in Cambria County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cambria County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cambria County ranks #868 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 28%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cambria County, Pennsylvania
Cambria offers exceptional affordability
At 15.6% of income spent on rent, Cambria County residents enjoy affordability slightly better than the national average of 16.5%, though incomes here lag the national median by 25%. The county's $733 median rent represents one of Pennsylvania's true bargains for cost-conscious renters.
Among Pennsylvania's most affordable
Cambria ranks favorably on Pennsylvania's affordability scale with a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio and median rent of $733—24% below the state average of $960. This exceptional value makes Cambria attractive to budget-first relocators despite lower wages statewide.
Rural advantage over broader region
Cambria's $733 rent rivals Clarion County ($785) and beats all suburban counties significantly—Butler at $1,018, Carbon at $975, Centre at $1,181. The tradeoff: limited job growth and lower median income ($56,292) compared to these regional peers.
Housing eats modest Cambria income
Renters spend $733 monthly (15.6%) and homeowners $699 (14.9%) on housing costs against the $56,292 median income. While percentages look reasonable, the absolute income level leaves less discretionary funding than wealthier Pennsylvania counties.
Cambria rewards remote workers and retirees
Move to Cambria if you can earn income outside the local job market—remote work, retirement, or relocation assistance makes the $733 rent and $115,900 home prices extraordinarily attractive. Budget carefully if you depend on local employment, where wages remain below county and state medians.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cambria County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Cambria County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $733/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $733/month rent versus $699/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $34/month cheaper — a 5% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,957/year. With a median household income of $56,292, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Cambria County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Clarion County where rent averages $785/month, Cambria County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cambria County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,313
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cambria County
Median home value is $115,900. Estimated monthly cost: $925 vs. your max of $1,313.
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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