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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Monroe County ranks #2,329 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 26%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Monroe County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Monroe County is affordable. The median rent is $1,347/month against a median household income of $82,374, putting rent at 19.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Monroe County pay $1,347/month on average, compared to $1,384/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $53,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $59,314/year. With a median household income of $82,374, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Monroe County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Monroe County sits 4% more expensive than Lancaster County ($1,289/month) in terms of median gross rent.
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
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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