The median home price in Pennsylvania is $264,700, which has increased by 6.6% since the last year. The Pennsylvania housing market has witnessed a 1.4% year-over-year growth in the number of homes listed. With a 3-month supply left, you will get your choice of house with the seller being more willing to negotiate.
As per our research, home prices are relatively higher in western areas near Pittsburgh, PA. On the other hand, as you move towards the eastern areas of the Keystone State, like Scranton, you can find cheaper housing options.
4 Reasons to live in Pennsylvania 🌆
- Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in Pennsylvania is ~$264K. But you can get houses between $57K and $224K in cities like Sharon, Altoona, and Reading.
- Tax Benefits: Pennsylvania maintains a flat income tax rate of 3.07% for all residents.
- Affordable Grocery: Grocery in cities that are listed below is up to 7.2% lower than the national average.
- Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than the national average. You can save up to $600 per month in rent.
Find Your Dream Home 🏡
1st item
2nd item
3rd item
Find Your Dream Home 🏡
View 8,002 Homes For Sale in Pennsylvania
1st item
2nd item
3rd item
Cheapest Places to Live in Pennsylvania in 2024
This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharon | $40,089 | $57,640 | 12,952 | 3.4% | 20.3% |
| Oil City | $48,632 | $81,402 | 9,459 | 3.7% | 16.7% |
| Johnstown | $33,466 | $90,932 | 18,091 | 3.6% | 32.9% |
| Altoona | $50,435 | $132,700 | 43,071 | 3.1% | 19.3% |
| Erie | $43,135 | $165,752 | 93,511 | 3.3% | 24.3% |
| Williamsport | $48,388 | $185,008 | 27,403 | 3.2% | 25.4% |
| Reading | $42,852 | $224,164 | 94,858 | 3.4% | 28.6% |
7 Cheapest Places to Live in PA
The annual population growth of 2.1% since 2010 is reflective of people’s intention to move to Pennsylvania. If you’re considering shifting to the Keystone State, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:
1. Sharon
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 21%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $57,640 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $750 |
| 🌅 Known For | Shenango River Lake |
Sharon is an affordable place to live in Pennsylvania. Its median house rent ranges from $395 – $1,250. It also offers very affordable housing which is 83.4% lower than the national average.
Sharon stands out as a budget-friendly city. It is known for being a city located along the banks of the Shenango River. It boasts Beautiful Downtown Sharon, home to the world’s largest stores and the world’s most famous wings.
» Homes for Sale in Sharon, PI: Find your dream home in this city.
2. Oil City
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 27.6%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $81,402 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,000 |
| 🏞️ Known For | Oil Creek State Park |
Oil City is one of the most budget-friendly rental destinations in Pennsylvania with an average home rent ranging from $700 – $1,395. It also offers affordable healthcare, which is 11.1% lower than the national average.
Oil City is a great place for people looking to buy a home. It is known as the birthplace of the oil industry. Additionally, it is known for its architectural heritage and historical buildings, including the iconic courthouse, Palace Theater, and train station, contribute to its unique charm.
» Homes for Sale in Oil City, PI: Browse thousands of property listings in Oil City.
3. Johnstown
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 24.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $90,932 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $800 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Flight 93 National Memorial |
With rental costs below the national average, Johnstown stands as one of the most affordable cities to live in Pennsylvania. The house rent price is between $475 to $7,000.
Living in Johnstown is special because of its lovely charm and beautiful nature. The city is famous for its interesting history and breathtaking scenery, like the pretty Laurel Highlands and the Conemaugh River.
» Homes for Sale in Johnstown, PI: View all the properties for sale in this city.
4. Altoona
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 22.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $132,700 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $850 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Horseshoe Curve |
Altoona offers budget-friendly living with a median rent that is $1,150 lower than the national median. Moreover, the transportation costs being 17.6% below the national average in this city.
Altoona is known for its unique charm, rich historical legacy with the enchanting beauty of its surroundings. The city’s allure is shaped by its renowned railroad history and picturesque landscapes.
» Homes for Sale in Altoona, PI: Browse through thousands of affordable properties.
5. Erie
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 19.2%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $165,752 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $975 |
| 🎨 Known For | Presque Isle State Park |
Often referred to as the ‘Flagship City,’ Erie’s cost of living is 19.2% lower than the national average. The average utilities expenses are 4.8% lower than the national average.
Erie’s affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in the US.
» Homes for Sale in Erie, PI: Browse through thousands of properties in this flagship city.
6. Williamsport
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 15%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $185,008 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $3,400 |
| 🏫 Known For | Susquehanna Riverwalk |
The house rent in Williamsport is between $641 – $4,500. With an average household income of $48,388, you can comfortably live in this city.
Williamsport is a compelling real estate choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking affordable living in Pennsylvania. This city is known for being affordable. Houses don’t cost a lot, and the everyday expenses are low.
» Homes for Sale in Williamsport, PI: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Pennsylvania.
7. Reading
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 6%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $224,164 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,200 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Reading Public Museum |
Reading is one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania. The median home price in Reading is $224,164. The monthly expenditure on food for an individual amounts to $547, making it one of the most budget-friendly options across the country.
Reading is a vibrant city known for its diverse population and wide range of cultural amenities and attractions. In addition to a thriving arts scene, it is also home to various dining options that cater to various tastes.
» Homes for Sale in Reading, PI: Get yourself a home in this vibrant town.
- 🏡 Do You Need Professional Assistance While Buying a Home?
Look no further! You can access a network of top real estate professionals through Houzeo Pros. They will cater to all your needs and requirements.
The Bottom Line
The cost of living in Pennsylvania is 4% lower than the national average. Nevertheless, it is also home to some of the most expensive cities in America. However, if you want to shift to Pennsylvania, you can find affordable housing in cities like Sharon, Oil City, and Johnstown.
Cities like Reading and Williamsport have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
Find Homes for Sale in PA Under Your Specific Budget
Find an Affordable House With Houzeo
With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other types of homes for sale in Pennsylvania on Houzeo.
Find Your Dream Home 🏡
1st item
2nd item
3rd item
Find Your Dream Home 🏡
View 8,002 Homes For Sale in Pennsylvania
1st item
2nd item
3rd item
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in Pennsylvania, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, and Zillow, Best Places.
FAQs
What is the cheapest place to live in Pennsylvania?
The cheapest place to live in Pennsylvania is Sharon. It offers affordable healthcare, which is 13.5% lower than the national average.
» 7 Cheapest Places to Live in Pennsylvania: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Pennsylvania!
Is Pennsylvania the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $264,700. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
.webp)
