8 Most Affordable Places to Live in Pennsylvania in 2025

With its rich history highlighted in landmarks like Philadelphia’s Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains and Lancaster County’s countryside, Pennsylvania has much to offer to its residents. If you’re currently living in or are considering moving to Pennsylvania, then chances are you have a budget you’d like to stay under for renting or buying a home. For example, the median home sale price in Pennsylvania is $282,900 as of April. 

Don’t worry if that number doesn’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. Redfin has gathered a list of the 8 most affordable places to live in Pennsylvania, and they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. From Erie to Harrisburg, let’s jump in and see what cities are on the list.

#1: Harrisburg

Median home price: $131,100
Average sale price per square foot: $91
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,260
Median household income: $41,035
Harrisburg, PA homes for sale
Harrisburg, PA apartments for rent

Consider adding Harrisburg to your list of cities to check out if you’re looking for an affordable place to move to in Pennsylvania. Home to 50,100 residents, this affordable town can be a great option to add to your list. In Harrisburg, you can stop by the Pennsylvania State Capitol where you’ll find the State Museum of Pennsylvania, visit the Broad Street Market filled with local vendors and fresh produce, and explore Wildwood Park.

#2: Erie

Median home price: $142,000
Average sale price per square foot: $104
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,150
Median household income: $43,135
Erie, PA homes for sale
Erie, PA apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $142,000, Erie is the second most affordable place to live in Pennsylvania. About 92,900 people live in this city and is located along Lake Erie, so you’ll have picturesque views year-round. Living in Erie, you can explore the charming downtown area, check out landmarks like the Erie Land Lighthouse and Bicentennial Tower, see a show at the Warner Theatre, and visit the Erie Maritime Museum. Don’t miss out on visiting Presque Isle State Park, with over 11 miles of beaches. 

#3: Scranton

Median home price: $164,500
Average sale price per square foot: $109
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,275
Median household income: $48,776
Nearest major metro: Allentown (80 miles)
Scranton, PA homes for sale
Scranton, PA apartments for rent

Third is Scranton where about 75,800 residents currently live. The median home sale price is $164,500 which is about $120K less than the median home sale price in Pennsylvania. If you find yourself moving to the third most affordable city, make sure to explore downtown, home to museums like Steamtown National Historic Site, The Electric City Trolley Museum, and Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den. Make sure to check out the city’s green spaces, such as Nay Aug Park and McDade Park.

#4: Reading

Median home price: $189,950
Average sale price per square foot: $127
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,482
Median household income: $42,852
Nearest major metro: Allentown (40 miles)
Reading, PA homes for sale
Reading, PA apartments for rent

Only slightly more expensive than Scranton is none other than Reading. With roughly 94,900 residents in Reading make sure to check out landmarks like the Reading Pagoda, the Reading Public Museum, and Berks History Center. You can also explore downtown Reading where you’ll find the Santander Performing Arts Center, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, and Santander Arena.

#5: Allentown

Median home price: $240,000
Average sale price per square foot: $169
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,151
Median household income: $52,449
Allentown, PA homes for sale
Allentown, PA apartments for rent

Next on our list of affordable places to live in Pennsylvania is Allentown. With a population of nearly 124,800, you’ll be living in a mid-sized city, but there is no shortage of things to do in Allentown. Be sure to check out one of the museums like the Allentown Art Museum, the Da Vinci Science Center, or the America On Wheels Museum, explore downtown Allentown, visit the Allentown Farmers Market, and stop by the Malcolm Gross Rose Garden.

>> Read: Popular Allentown, PA, Neighborhoods to Live in

#6: Pittsburgh

Median home price: $242,250
Average sale price per square foot: $174 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,624
Median household income: $60,187
Pittsburgh, PA homes for sale
Pittsburgh, PA apartments for rent

Taking the sixth spot is Pittsburgh, another one of the affordable places to live in Pennsylvania. The “City of Brotherly Love,” has a population of 303,200 and countless things to explore. For example, you can explore the Andy Warhol Museum, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the Carnegie Museum of Art, or the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. You can also explore the eclectic Pittsburgh neighborhoods, take in the views from Grandview Overlook, or watch a Pittsburgh Steelers game. There’s plenty to do on an afternoon or weekend while living in Pittsburgh.

>> Read: Popular Pittsburgh, PA, Neighborhoods to Live in 2025

#7: Philadelphia

Median home price: $250,000
Average sale price per square foot: $200
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,824
Median household income: $57,537
Philadelphia, PA homes for sale
Philadelphia, PA apartments for rent

The next city on our list is none other than Philadelphia. This affordable area is home to approximately 1.5 million residents, making it the most populous city on our list. Once moving to Philadelphia, make sure to visit iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Elfreth’s Alley, the African American Museum in Philadelphia, and the Walnut Street Theatre. You can also check out the famous Reading Terminal Market, Belmont Plateau, South Street, and the Rodin Museum. There’s always something new to discover in Philadelphia. 

>> Read: Popular Philadelphia, PA, Neighborhoods to Live in 2025

#8: Bethlehem

Median home price: $279,900
Average sale price per square foot: $191
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,868
Median household income: $62,072
Nearest major metro: Allentown (6 miles)
Bethlehem, PA homes for sale
Bethlehem, PA apartments for rent

Rounding out our list of the most affordable places to live in Pennsylvania is Bethlehem. The population is about 58,300, making it a great spot if you’re looking for a smaller-town feeling. Bethlehem is conveniently located just 6 miles east of Allentown, so it’s easy to commute into the city. In Bethlehem, make sure to visit the famous SteelStacks, explore the charming downtown, take in the views at Sand Island Park, or check out the Lehigh University campus.

Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Pennsylvania. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during April 2025. Average rental data from Rent.com April 2025. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.