Cost of Living in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Philadelphia County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Philadelphia County ranks #3,084 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia's Affordability Crisis is Real
Renters in Philadelphia County spend 26.2% of income on housing—far above the national comfort zone and nearly 10 points higher than Pennsylvania's average of 16.5%. With a median household income of $60,698, well below the national median of $74,755, renters here face a severe affordability squeeze.
Least Affordable County in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia ranks as Pennsylvania's least affordable county for renters, with a 26.2% rent-to-income ratio that dwarfs every other county in the state. The city's $1,323 median rent reflects urban demand and limited supply, pricing out lower- and middle-income households.
Dramatically Pricier Than Rural Counties
Philadelphia's $1,323 rent towers over nearby rural counties like Northumberland ($777) and Potter ($767), making it 70% more expensive for tenants. Even compared to affluent Pike County ($1,383), Philadelphia rents strain lower-income households because Pierce County residents earn significantly more.
Housing Dominates Philadelphia Budgets
At $60,698 median household income, Philadelphia renters allocate $1,323 monthly to gross rent—consuming 26.2% of paychecks and leaving little for other expenses. Homeowners pay $1,100 monthly, but the median home value of $232,400 requires substantial down payments that many residents cannot afford.
Philadelphia: Vibrant City, High Cost
If you're considering Philadelphia, factor in the reality: housing costs here consume far more income than rural Pennsylvania alternatives like Northumberland or Potter. The urban amenities are real, but so is the affordability challenge—plan accordingly or explore surrounding counties for relief.
Cost of Living Advisory: Philadelphia County
Affordability Verdict
Philadelphia County offers moderately affordable rental housing at a median of $1,323/month — about 26.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Philadelphia County is $1,323/month, while owner costs run $1,100/month. Owning saves approximately $223/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $52,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,143/year. With a median household income of $60,698, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Philadelphia County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Pike County where rent averages $1,383/month, Philadelphia County is approximately 4% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Philadelphia County
Rent Burden
26.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,416
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.7%
of gross income
The median home in Philadelphia County may be a stretch
Median home value is $232,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,855 vs. your max of $1,416.
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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