Cheapest Places to Live in Pennsylvania (2026)
Looking for the most affordable cities in Pennsylvania? We ranked 18 Pennsylvania cities by median home value. The cheapest is Johnstown (~$68,000); the Pennsylvania median is $240,000.
Most affordable cities in Pennsylvania
Ranked by median home value, lowest first:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnstown | $68,000 | $67 |
| 2 | McKeesport | $117,000 | $114 |
| 3 | New Castle | $125,000 | $97 |
| 4 | Wilkes-Barre | $183,500 | $141 |
| 5 | Scranton | $190,000 | $133 |
| 6 | Erie | $209,000 | $165 |
| 7 | Harrisburg | $216,000 | $122 |
| 8 | Pittsburgh | $238,000 | $189 |
| 9 | Philadelphia | $250,500 | $222 |
| 10 | York | $261,000 | $161 |
Most expensive cities in Pennsylvania
The priciest Pennsylvania markets by median home value:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Doylestown | $804,000 | $328 |
| 2 | Phoenixville | $528,000 | $253 |
| 3 | Easton | $427,000 | $212 |
| 4 | Levittown | $397,500 | $262 |
| 5 | Bethlehem | $348,500 | $206 |
| 6 | Lancaster | $322,000 | $204 |
| 7 | Allentown | $295,500 | $188 |
| 8 | Reading | $280,000 | $168 |
| 9 | York | $261,000 | $161 |
| 10 | Philadelphia | $250,500 | $222 |
How we rank Pennsylvania cities
Rankings use the typical (median) home value for each city from public market data (Realtor.com & Zillow research). Affordability also depends on incomes, taxes, and cost of living — see each city page for local detail. Directional estimates, not appraisals.
Explore all Pennsylvania home values, estimate any home with the Home Value Estimator, or see where your budget goes furthest nationwide.
Pennsylvania affordability: FAQ
What is the cheapest place to live in Pennsylvania? +
Based on median home value, Johnstown is among the most affordable cities in Pennsylvania, with a typical home around $68,000 — well below the Pennsylvania median of $240,000.
What is the most expensive city in Pennsylvania? +
By median home value, Doylestown is among the priciest in Pennsylvania, with a typical home around $804,000.
Is Pennsylvania an affordable place to live? +
The median home value in Pennsylvania is about $240,000 (18% more affordable than the U.S. median of $294,000), but prices vary widely by city — from around $68,000 to $804,000.