Cost of Living in Fayette County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Fayette County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Fayette County ranks #2,027 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Fayette Renters Enjoy Below-National Affordability
Fayette County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% matches Pennsylvania's state average and sits comfortably below the national average of 15.8% when adjusted for lower local incomes. With a median household income of $56,093—significantly below the national median of $74,755—affordable housing here means stretching dollars further.
Fayette Ranks Among PA's Most Affordable
At 16.5%, Fayette's rent-to-income ratio ties the state average, placing it among Pennsylvania's most affordable counties for renters. Median rent of $771 per month undercuts the state median of $960 by nearly $200, a meaningful difference for tight budgets.
Fayette Offers the Region's Cheapest Rent
Fayette's $771 monthly rent is the lowest among its regional peers, undercutting Erie ($876), Indiana ($786), and Greene ($754) counties, though Greene edges it slightly lower. The median home value of $126,900 represents the most affordable homeownership entry point in this comparative group.
Renters Keep More of Their Income
Fayette's median household income of $56,093 paired with $771 rent means renters spend just 16.5% on housing—among the lowest burdens regionally. Homeowners pay $752 monthly, creating an unusually affordable ownership option where rental and ownership costs nearly converge.
Fayette Delivers Genuine Affordability
Job seekers and families moving to southwestern Pennsylvania should seriously consider Fayette County's combination of low rent ($771), minimal ownership costs ($752 monthly), and the state's lowest median home values. Your housing dollar stretches furthest here compared to neighboring Erie, Franklin, and Greene counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Fayette County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Fayette County is affordable. The median rent is $771/month against a median household income of $56,093, putting rent at 16.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $771/month rent versus $752/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $19/month cheaper — a 2% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,229/year. With a median household income of $56,093, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Fayette County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Elk County where rent averages $720/month, Fayette County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Fayette County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,309
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Fayette County
Median home value is $126,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,013 vs. your max of $1,309.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Fayette County, Pennsylvania?
What is the median rent in Fayette County?
Is Fayette County affordable?
How does Fayette County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Fayette County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Fayette County, Pennsylvania? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Fayette County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.