Pennsylvania Housing Affordability
What it takes to afford a home in Pennsylvania, using Zillow Research home values and Census income data. Pennsylvania ranks 14 of 51 states for estimated median-home affordability, with typical values about 18% below the cross-state median.
Pennsylvania affordability summary
At a typical home value of $289,277 against Census ACS median household income of $76,081, Pennsylvania scores 34/100 (stretched) for estimated buying affordability. A starter home runs about $159,111 (income needed ~$51,471); a 3-bedroom family home about $285,048 (income needed ~$92,229).
Sources — Home values & rent: Zillow Research, 2026-05 · Income: U.S. Census ACS. Zillow does not endorse this site.
Affordability by home type in Pennsylvania
How the same income picture shifts across Zillow price tiers:
| Home type | Est. value | Est. payment | Income needed | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter (bottom tier) | $159,111 | $1,201 | $51,471 | 90 |
| Median (mid tier) | $289,277 | $2,184 | $93,600 | 34 |
| Family home (3BR) | $285,048 | $2,152 | $92,229 | 35 |
Cities in Pennsylvania
Major Pennsylvania cities ranked by estimated buying-affordability score, using Zillow city home values and Census city income.
| # | City | Home value | Est. payment | Income needed | Rent burden | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pittsburgh · PA | $242,954 | $1,834 | $78,600 | 30% | 35 |
| 2 | Scranton · PA | $190,307 | $1,437 | $61,586 | 33% | 34 |
| 3 | Philadelphia · PA | $236,883 | $1,788 | $76,629 | 36% | 33 |
| 4 | Erie · PA | $205,961 | $1,555 | $66,643 | 30% | 21 |
| 5 | Reading · PA | $267,001 | $2,016 | $86,400 | 37% | 11 |
| 6 | Allentown · PA | $315,675 | $2,383 | $102,129 | 39% | 10 |
What different incomes can afford in Pennsylvania
Estimated largest home price affordable at each income (10% down, 6.70% rate), compared with the $289,277 typical home:
| Household income | Est. max home price | Typical home in reach? |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $154,542 | Stretch |
| $75,000 | $231,814 | Stretch |
| $100,000 | $309,085 | Likely |
| $150,000 | $463,627 | Likely |
Customize this scenario
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Nearby & related states
- Maryland
- Ohio
- New Jersey
- All states ranked
Frequently asked questions
What income do you need to buy a home in Pennsylvania?
With a typical (mid-tier) Pennsylvania home around $289,277, the estimated payment is about $2,184/month, which generally calls for a household income near $93,600 (keeping housing close to 28% of gross income). A starter home (~$159,111) lowers that to roughly $51,471. Your real figure depends on down payment, rate, and local taxes — model it on Home Payment Atlas.
Is Pennsylvania affordable compared with other states?
Pennsylvania ranks 14 of 51 for estimated median-home buying affordability (score 34/100, stretched), with home values about 18% below the cross-state median. Compare it on the most affordable states ranking.
Where do these Pennsylvania numbers come from?
Home values are Zillow Research ZHVI (2026-05); rent is the Zillow ZORI index; income is U.S. Census ACS median household income. They are estimates for comparison, not appraisals. Customize the mortgage math on the Pennsylvania page on Home Payment Atlas.
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.