Income Needed to Buy a Home in Pennsylvania (2026)
Verdict: stretch — requires $84,083/year (#45 least affordable of 51 US states)
Pennsylvania ranks #45 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $282,736 requires a household income of about $84,083. That's $6,538 more than the median household actually earns ($77,545) — a shortfall of 8% of typical income.
Pennsylvania's affordability ratio of 1.08 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 15.1% better than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 18.4% below the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 1.19% adds $280 per month, while homeowners insurance runs about $1,278/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $1,962.
Pennsylvania monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $282,736 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $254,462 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $1,575 |
| Monthly property tax (1.19% rate) | $280 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $107 |
| Total monthly PITI | $1,962 |
| Required household income | $84,083 |
| Median household income | $77,545 |
Run your own numbers
These figures model the median buyer. Your rate, down payment, and debts change the answer — check your personal maximum with the Home Affordability Analyzer or build a full payment schedule in the Advanced Mortgage Calculator. Closing costs typically add 2–5% on top — estimate them with the Closing Costs Estimator.
How Pennsylvania compares
- Missouri — similar affordability (ratio 1.10, requires $78,892)
- Alabama — similar affordability (ratio 1.06, requires $70,614)
- Arkansas — similar affordability (ratio 1.11, requires $68,956)
- West Virginia — among the most affordable US states (requires $48,369)
- Iowa — among the most affordable US states (requires $74,199)
See every state and province ranked in the 2026 Mortgage Affordability Index.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to buy a house in Pennsylvania in 2026?
About $84,083 per year to afford the median-priced home of $282,736, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Pennsylvania household earns $77,545.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Pennsylvania?
Roughly $1,962 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Pennsylvania affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $6,538 (8%), ranking Pennsylvania #45 least affordable of 51 US states.
Methodology & sources
Assumes 10% down, 30-year fixed at prevailing 2026 rates, 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. Home prices from Zillow ZHVI (March 2026); incomes from Census ACS 1-Year 2024; property taxes from Tax Foundation; insurance from Bankrate state averages. Figures model the median scenario and are not financial advice. Full sources on the affordability index.