Pennsylvania has a rich history, with places like Philadelphia‘s Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
Besides history, Pennsylvania is full of beauty, as most parts are surrounded by the Pocono Mountains.
The state has a lot to offer those who are contemplating moving here.
If this sounds like you, you may have already given yourself a budget to follow, whether you’re buying or renting.
The average home sale price in Pennsylvania is $298,600.
If this doesn’t fit your budget, this list will provide you with some of the most affordable places to live in the state.
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15 of the Cheapest Places to Live in Pennsylvania
1. Williamsport
First on the list for being one of the most affordable towns in Pennsylvania is Williamsport.
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom apartment is $805, while the average home sale price is $115,000.
The nearest metro area is Scranton, just 90 miles away. Nearly 27,800 people live in Williamsport.
Living here gives you the luxury of enjoying a variety of things.
For example, you can enjoy the beautiful Susquehanna Riverwalk or take a look at the Victorian mansions.
There are also many churches located just along Millionaire’s Row.
And if you enjoy baseball, you’ll love watching a game at Historic Bowman Field.
2. Bloomsburg
Next on the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in Pennsylvania is Bloomsburg.
The median home sale price is $125,000, while the average rent paid for a one-bedroom is $1,302.
Scranton is located only 50 miles from Bloomsburg if you want easy access to a major metro area.
About 12,700 people are living in Bloomsburg.
Moreover, for those wondering what there is to do in Bloomsburg, you’ll be glad to know that Bloomsburg County Park is a hot attraction, along with the Bloomsburg Fair.
The downtown area is also highly recommended.
3. St. Marys
Also on the list of being one of the most affordable towns in Pennsylvania is St. Marys.
The median home sale price is $125,000.
Residents living in the area make an average of $54,950 each year.
There are about 12,700 residents living in St. Marys.
If you’re looking for things to do, make sure that you explore the amazing downtown area, as it is filled with various restaurants and shops.
4. Altoona
Altoona is also on the list as one of the most affordable places to live.
The median home price in Altoona is $147,450, while the average rent is $1,100 for a one-bedroom.
Altoona is just a tad bit more expensive than St. Marys, with nearly 43,900 people calling it home.
If you’re looking for things to do around the city, feel free to check out the Railroaders Memorial Museum and the Baker Mansion History Museum.
There are also plenty of amazing restaurants in town if you’re looking for a bite to eat.
5. Harrisburg
If you’re looking for other affordable places in Pennsylvania, check out Harrisburg.
Harrisburg has a median home sale price of $178,995, while $1,210 is the average rent paid for a one-bedroom.
There’s a lot to love about Harrisburg, as it offers residents a lot of attractions.
For example, you can check out the Pennsylvania State Capitol, where the State Museum of Pennsylvania is located.
You can also check out the Broad Street Market, where you’ll find plenty of local vendors selling fresh produce.
6. Chambersburg
Chambersburg is also worth adding to your list if you’re looking for an affordable place to live in Pennsylvania.
The average home sale price is $220,000, while the average rent paid for a one-bedroom is $840.
But what about the nearest metro area? Hagerstown, MD, is located 20 miles away.
Average home sale prices are roughly $75,000 less than the average in the state.
Just about 21,900 people live in Chambersburg. It’s one of the best areas to consider moving to, as there are many things to do.
The downtown area is full of shops, restaurants, and museums, such as the Old Jail.
7. Progress
Next on the list for offering affordable living in Pennsylvania is Progress.
Harrisburg is just 4 miles away and is known as the closest major metro area.
Homes usually go for nearly $240,000 in the area.
Only about 11,200 people are living in Progress, which means you can enjoy a peaceful community all while having the luxury of being located close to a major city.
Progress still offers a lot of things for residents to do, including the Capital Area Greenbelt, perfect for walking.
8. Carlisle
Also making the list of being one of the most affordable places to live in Pennsylvania is Carlisle.
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,382, while the median home sale price is $259,000.
And if you’re wondering where the nearest major metropolis is, Harrisburg is located 25 miles away.
Carlisle has roughly 20,100 residents living there, with plenty of things to do.
There are various museums, restaurants, and shops located right in town.
You can also check out Dickinson Park and Thornwald Park if you enjoy the outdoors.
9. Colonial Park
Colonial Park is slightly more expensive than Carlisle but is closer to Harrisburg in terms of major metro areas.
The average median home sale price in Colonial Park is $263,950.
Residents living here make an average of $54,628 per year.
It’s yet another wonderful town to consider adding to your list.
There are about 16,200 residents living in Colonial Park.
Do you enjoy the outdoors?
Consider having a picnic at Brightbill Park.
The town offers all sorts of fun things to do for the entire family.
10. Shiloh
Shiloh also made the list as one of the most budget-friendly places to live in Pennsylvania.
The average home sale price is $275,500.
Harrisburg is located 26 miles from Shiloh and is considered the closest major metropolis.
Shiloh is a small town, with only 11,200 people living there.
But don’t let the size of the town discourage you from entertainment.
Shiloh offers plenty of shopping centers, parks, movie theaters, and much more.
11. Pottsville
Pottsville is located on the eastern side of the state.
Pottsville is perfect if you are looking for affordability but want to live as close to New York City as possible.
New York City is located less than three hours away.
Pottsville has an average household income of $42,083 and an average property tax of $1,171.
There’s also a lot to do in Pottsville, including museums, shops, restaurants, cafés, and more.
If you consider yourself to be an outdoor enthusiast, plenty of green space surrounds the city.
12. Reading
Reading also made the list of the cheapest places to live in the state.
The median household income for residents living here is $32,176, while the average property tax paid is $1,530.
Reading is located in the southeastern region of Pennsylvania and is also known as the fifth-largest town.
Several well-known attractions include the Reading Pagoda, which offers panoramic views of the whole city.
You can also check out Nolde Forest, where you’ll find several hiking trails.
This gives you the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Another great place to visit is the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum.
13. Johnstown
Johnstown has a median household income of $24,561, making this yet another affordable place to live in Pennsylvania.
The average property tax paid is $564. But besides affordability, Johnstown has quite a bit to offer, including the Stackhouse Park, Johnstown Flood Museum, Peoples Natural Gas Park, and Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art.
And if you’re looking for more than just attractions, you can check out some of the best restaurants around, including the Boulevard Grill and Warehouse or Clark’s Corner Store and Catering.
14. McKeesport
McKeesport is a suburb of Pittsburgh and also offers affordable living.
The average median household income is $29,094, while the average property tax is $965.
McKeesport is one of the most diverse towns in the state.
You’ll find plenty of nationalities and races mixed in among the 17,493 people living there.
Every year, McKeesport hosts an ethnic food festival where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy various cuisines served in more than 10 different countries.
Besides that, if you enjoy being outdoors, you’ll fall in love with the Steel Valley Trail, the Allegheny Passage Trail, and the Youghiogheny River Trail.
15. Erie
Finally, Erie also made the list for being one of the most affordable towns in Pennsylvania to live in.
Besides affordability, Erie is the fourth-largest town in Pennsylvania.
The median household income in Erie is $37,894, while the average property tax is $1,702.
Erie offers many things to do, both indoors and outdoors, depending on what you’re in the mood for.
For instance, if you enjoy wildlife and being outdoors, check out Presque Isle State Park.
During the winter, you can ice skate, ice fish, and even ice boat at the same park.
If you prefer staying indoors, check out the various shopping malls, museums, and lighthouses around the city.
Pennsylvania Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Pennsylvania Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s cost of overall living is 4% below the national average.
In addition, housing is 17% below the national average.
But utilities are 7% higher.
Food, clothing, and groceries are just 1% below the national average.
What are the least affordable places in Pennsylvania?
If you’re looking for the most affordable places to live in Pennsylvania, you’ll want to stay away from these, as they are considered the least affordable:
- Darby
- Yeadon
- West Chester
- Chester
- Philadelphia
Does Pennsylvania offer any affordable housing programs?
Pennsylvania offers a variety of affordable housing programs for those in need.
These programs are designed to assist those with disabilities, elderly people, and those who have a low income or are at a high risk of experiencing homelessness.
