Philadelphia, PA — Housing Affordability
Philadelphia has a typical home value of $236,883 (Zillow ZHVI, 2026-05) against a median household income of $60,698 (Census ACS), within Pennsylvania.
Local affordability summary
Sources — Home value: Zillow ZHVI, 2026-05 · Rent: Zillow ZORI · Income & population: U.S. Census ACS 2023. Zillow does not endorse this site.
Payment & income at a glance
Estimated payment
$1,788/mo for a typical home (~$236,883), including taxes, insurance, and PMI.
Income needed
About $76,629/yr to keep housing near 28% of gross income.
Rent vs. buy
Median rent runs about $1,806/month (36% of income), versus an estimated $1,788/month to own a typical home.
Customize this scenario
Want to adjust down payment, taxes, PMI, insurance, or HOA? Open this scenario in the Home Payment Atlas mortgage calculator for full, personalized payment math.
Nearby places
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Allentown, PA
- Reading, PA
- All of Pennsylvania
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to buy in Philadelphia, PA?
For a typical home around $236,883 (Zillow ZHVI, 2026-05), the estimated payment is roughly $1,788/month and the income needed is near $76,629. A starter home (~$138,660) lowers that to about $44,871. Model your own scenario on Home Payment Atlas.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Philadelphia?
Median rent runs about $1,806/month (36% of income), versus an estimated $1,788/month to own a typical home. Rent-vs-buy depends on how long you stay, your down payment, and maintenance. Compare scenarios on the Home Payment Atlas calculator.
Where do these Philadelphia figures come from?
Home value and rent are from Zillow Research (ZHVI/ZORI, 2026-05). Income and population are from the U.S. Census Bureau (ACS 5-year 2023). They are estimates for comparison, not appraisals. Zillow does not endorse this site.
About these estimates & data sources
Home values and rents reflect Zillow Research data (ZHVI and ZORI, 2026-05). Household income reflects U.S. Census ACS data. All figures are estimates for general comparison, not appraisals or quotes — confirm details before relying on them.
Home values and rent: Zillow Research (ZHVI, ZORI), 2026-05. Geography and FIPS codes: U.S. Census Bureau (Cartographic Boundary Files). Household income: U.S. Census ACS. Detailed payment math: Home Payment Atlas. Zillow does not endorse this site.
Figures are educational estimates only and are not financial, legal, tax, mortgage, or real-estate advice, and not a loan offer. Verify every number with lenders, agents, tax authorities, and official sources. See our methodology and terms & disclaimer.