Cost of Living in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lehigh County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Lehigh faces Pennsylvania's highest rent burden
Lehigh County renters dedicate 20.5% of their $77,493 median household income to rent—the highest ratio in this dataset and well above the national affordability comfort zone. Despite earning above the national median of $74,755, Lehigh households face the steepest relative housing costs.
State's most strained rental market
Lehigh County's 20.5% rent-to-income ratio dramatically exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, marking it as the state's most affordability-stressed county in this analysis. The $1,326 median rent towers over the state average of $960, creating genuine hardship for renters.
Lehigh commands region's steepest rents
Lehigh renters pay $1,326 monthly—$596 more than Juniata County and $239 more than nearby Lancaster County—making it the region's most expensive rental market. Even homeowners face pressure: the $1,420 monthly ownership cost ranks highest among all eight counties analyzed.
Lehigh's housing squeeze
On a $77,493 annual income ($6,458 monthly), Lehigh households spend $1,326 on rent and $1,420 on ownership costs—totaling 44% of gross income on housing alone. This leaves only 56% for all other expenses: food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and savings.
Lehigh: reconsider if affordability matters
Lehigh County renters should seriously evaluate nearby Lancaster or Lebanon counties, where housing costs are $200+ cheaper monthly while maintaining strong job markets. If relocating beyond the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania counties like Juniata offer identical earning potential with one-third the rental costs.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lehigh County
Rent Burden
20.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,808
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.0%
of gross income
The median home in Lehigh County may be a stretch
Median home value is $276,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,204 vs. your max of $1,808.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.