A landmark with a rich history Philadelphia From Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell to the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains and rural Lancaster County, Pennsylvania has much to offer its residents. If you currently live in Pennsylvania or are considering moving there, you may have a budget you want to meet to rent or buy a home. For example, Pennsylvania median home sale price As of July, it was $298,400.
If that amount doesn’t fit your budget, don’t worry: we’ll help you find the house or apartment that’s right for you. Redfin has compiled a list of the nine most affordable places to live in Pennsylvania, all of which have a median home sale price below the state average. Ellie To HarrisburgNow, let’s take a look at the cities on the list.
1st place: Ellie
Average home price: $136,250
Average sales price per square foot: $59
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $770
Median household income: $43,135
Erie, PA Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Erie, PA
Erie is the most livable city in Pennsylvania, with an average home sale price of $136,250. The city is home to approximately 92,900 people and is located on Lake Erie, which means it offers beautiful scenery year-round. Living in Erie means you can explore the charming downtown area, visit landmarks like the Erieland Lighthouse and Bicentennial Tower, catch a show at the Warner Theatre, or just relax and unwind. Erie Maritime MuseumBe sure to visit Presque Isle State Park, which has over 11 miles of beach.
2nd place: Harrisburg
Average home price: $164,000
Average sales price per square foot: $107
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,210
Median household income: $41,035
Harrisburg, PA Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Harrisburg, PA
If you’re looking for affordable places to move to in Pennsylvania, consider adding Harrisburg to your list of places to move to. Home to 50,100 residents, this affordable city is a great option to add to your list of places to move to. In Harrisburg, stop by the Pennsylvania State Capitol to see the State Museum of PennsylvaniaVisit Broad Street Market Take a stroll through Wildwood Park, an area filled with local shops and fresh produce.
3rd place: Scranton
Average home price: $173,750
Average sales price per square foot: $107
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,507
Median household income: $48,776
Nearest major subway stations: Allentown (80 miles)
Homes for Sale in Scranton, PA
Apartments for Rent in Scranton, PA
Coming in third is Scranton, currently home to about 75,800 residents. The median home sale price is $173,750, about $120,000 less than the median home sale price in Pennsylvania. If you’re moving to this third most affordable city, be sure to explore its downtown, home to museums like Steamtown National Historical Park. Electric City Trolley Museumand Electric City Aquarium and Reptile HouseBe sure to visit the city’s green spaces, including Nea Aug Park and McDade Park.
#4: Reading
Average home price: $180,000
Average sales price per square foot: $118
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,877
Median household income: $42,852
Nearest major subway stations: Allentown (40 miles)
Homes for Sale in Reading, PA
Apartments for Rent in Reading, PA
Just a little higher than Scranton is none other than Reading, which has a population of about 94,900 and is home to the Reading Pagoda and the Reading Public MuseumBerks History Center, and more. You can also explore downtown Reading, Santander Performing Arts Center, Goggleworks Arts CenterSantander Arena.
5. Pittsburgh
Average home price: $235,000
Average sales price per square foot: $179
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,425
Median household income: $60,187
Pittsburgh, PA Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Pittsburgh, PA
Coming in at number five is Pittsburgh, one of the best cities to live in Pennsylvania. The City of Brotherly Love has a population of 303,200 and countless places to explore. For example: Andy Warhol Museum, Phipps Conservatory, Carnegie Museum of Artor Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. Eclectic Neighborhoods in PittsburghWhether you’re enjoying the views from Grandview Overlook or catching a Pittsburgh Steelers game, living in Pittsburgh means there’s plenty to do in the afternoon or on the weekend.
6th place: Lancaster
Average home price: $250,000
Average sales price per square foot: $173
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,597
Median household income: $61,014
Nearest major subway stations: Wilmington, Delaware (60 miles)
Homes for Sale in Lancaster, PA
Apartments for Rent in Lancaster, PA
Another notable city is Lancaster, where home prices are about $50,000 lower than the state average. Lancaster is home to about 57,100 people, making it a great area to live in this year. There are plenty of activities to do in the city, such as checking out local businesses. Lancaster Central Market,Explore Kita Natural Science Museumor watch a show Fulton Theatre.
7th place: Allentown
Average home price: $250,000
Average sales price per square foot: $174
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,134
Median household income: $52,449
Homes for Sale in Allentown, PA
Apartments for Rent in Allentown, PA
Our next pick for affordable housing in Pennsylvania is Allentown. Although it’s a mid-sized city with a population of around 124,800, Allentown offers plenty to do. Allentown Art Museum, Da Vinci Science Centeror America on Wheels MuseumStroll through downtown Allentown, Allentown Farmers MarketBe sure to stop by the Malcolm Gross Rose Garden.
8. Philadelphia
Average home price: $269,950
Average sales price per square foot: $214
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,847
Median household income: $57,537
Homes for Sale in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Apartments for Rent in Philadelphia, PA
Our next city is Philadelphia. This affordable area is home to about 1.5 million residents, making it the most populous city on this list. If you move to Philadelphia, be sure to check out some of its iconic landmarks, such as: Independence HallLiberty Bell, Elfreth’s Alley, African American Museum of Philadelphiaand the Walnut Street Theatrefamous Reading Terminal MarketBelmont Plateau, South Street, and Rodin MuseumThere’s always something new to discover in Philadelphia.
9th place: Bethlehem
Average home price: $287,450
Average sales price per square foot: $184
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,742
Median household income: $62,072
Nearest major subway stations: Allentown (6 miles)
Bethlehem, PA Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Bethlehem, PA
Rounding out our list of the most affordable places to live in Pennsylvania is Bethlehem. With a population of approximately 58,300, it’s a great place for those looking for a small town feel. Bethlehem is located just six miles east of Allentown, making it an easy commute into the city. Bethlehem is home to a number of well-known Steel StackStroll through the charming downtown, enjoy the views of Sand Island Park, or visit the campus of Lehigh University.
methodology: All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 residents according to the U.S. Census and a median home sales price below the median average home sales price in Pennsylvania. Redfin Data Centers July 2024. Average rental data Rent.com August 2023. The population and median household income are U.S. Census Bureau.
