Cost of Living in Monroe County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Monroe County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Monroe County, Pennsylvania
Monroe stretches affordability despite higher income
Monroe County's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national comfort zone, even though the county boasts the second-highest median income ($82,374) in our dataset. At $1,347 monthly, rent consumes substantially more income here than in lower-cost regions.
Pennsylvania's most expensive county
Monroe ranks as the state's priciest housing market with a 19.6% rent-to-income ratio, well above Pennsylvania's 16.5% average and the highest in our group. This reflects the Poconos' status as a regional destination driving home values to $241,200.
Significantly pricier than all peers
Monroe's $1,347 rent towers over Northampton's $1,335 and all central Pennsylvania counties, while its $241,200 median home value matches Montour but comes with higher income pressure. Buyers and renters pay premium prices here despite elevated incomes.
Premium housing takes a bigger bite
On an $82,374 income, renters pay $1,347 monthly (19.6%) while homeowners pay $1,384 monthly (20.1%)—the highest burden ratios in our dataset. Both groups sacrifice substantially more for housing than counterparts in adjacent counties.
Monroe premium comes with location
Monroe's higher income supports but doesn't fully offset its housing costs—evaluate whether the Pocono region's amenities justify the 19.6% rent burden before relocating. Compare against nearby Northampton (18.5%) for similar access with lower costs.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Monroe County
Rent Burden
19.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,922
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.2%
of gross income
The median home in Monroe County may be a stretch
Median home value is $241,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,926 vs. your max of $1,922.
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.