Rent vs Buy in Pennsylvania
Compare 13 cities across Pennsylvania. Find out whether renting or buying makes more financial sense in your area.
13cities analyzed
Avg Home:$270,385
Avg Rent:$1,504/mo
Avg Price/Rent:15.1
Pennsylvania Housing Market Summary
13
Cities Analyzed
10
Favor Buying
0
Favor Renting
3
Toss-Up
Across Pennsylvania's 13 analyzed cities, the majority (10 cities) favor buying over renting. This suggests Pennsylvania generally offers good value for homebuyers.
The average home price in Pennsylvania is $270,385, with average rents at $1,504/month. This gives an average price-to-rent ratio of 15.1.
$Most Affordable Cities
$$Most Expensive Cities
All Pennsylvania Cities
Sorted by population. Click any city for detailed analysis.
| City | Median Price | Median Rent | Price/Rent | Break-even | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $310,000 | $1,900 | 13.6 | 3 yrs | Buy |
| Pittsburgh | $265,000 | $1,650 | 13.4 | 6 yrs | Buy |
| Allentown | $310,000 | $1,450 | 17.8 | 8 yrs | Toss-up |
| Reading | $305,000 | $1,500 | 16.9 | 4 yrs | Buy |
| Erie | $285,000 | $1,350 | 17.6 | 7 yrs | Toss-up |
| Scranton | $245,000 | $1,500 | 13.6 | 5 yrs | Buy |
| Bethlehem | $260,000 | $1,450 | 14.9 | 5 yrs | Buy |
| Lancaster | $230,000 | $1,650 | 11.6 | 6 yrs | Buy |
| Harrisburg | $270,000 | $1,550 | 14.5 | 6 yrs | Buy |
| York | $225,000 | $1,250 | 15.0 | 6 yrs | Buy |
| Wilkes-Barre | $240,000 | $1,400 | 14.3 | 6 yrs | Buy |
| State College | $285,000 | $1,350 | 17.6 | 9 yrs | Toss-up |
| Chester | $285,000 | $1,550 | 15.3 | 5 yrs | Buy |
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These are general analyses based on median values. Use our comprehensive Buy vs Rent calculator to input your specific income, savings, and financial goals.
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