5 Cheapest Places to Live in Pennsylvania, 2022

If you want to make a big move, there are a few things to know before moving to Pennsylvania. For starters, it’s essential to get a good idea of what the cost of living in Pennsylvania is going to be.

Pennsylvania has all the essentials for a high quality of life when you combine the four beautiful seasons, rich history, high-ranking health institutions, and some of the world's best universities. Thankfully, Pennsylvania remains relatively affordable. But, if you’re looking for the best deal, here’s a look at five of the cheapest places to live in Pennsylvania.

Note: The data provided below comes from our rent estimates. These numbers expand beyond those listed on our platform. For further information, learn about our methodology.

Pennsylvania State Average Rent Prices

Before you go apartment hunting, get an idea about the average rents around Pennsylvania.

• The average rent for a Pennsylvania studio apartment is: $1,426.67
• The average rent for a Pennsylvania one-bedroom apartment is: $1,553.69
• The average rent for a Pennsylvania two-bedroom apartment is: $1,889.63
• The average rent for a Pennsylvania three-bedroom apartment is: $2,205.25

1. Pittsburgh

• Population: 302,971
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,202
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 9.87%
• Median Household Income: $50,536
• Walk Score: 62
• Transit Score: 55
• Bike Score: 55

Number one on our list of the cheapest places to live in Pennsylvania is Pittsburgh, located in the southwest portion of the state. You can find Pittsburgh at the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers.

Pittsburgh has been given two appropriate nicknames, including the City of Bridges, for its 446 bridges, and the Steel City, after the more than 300 steel-related businesses. Beyond bridges and steel-related businesses, Pittsburgh has 712 sets of public steps, more than any other city in the U.S.

Pittsburgh is home to three major professional sports teams, including the Penguins in the NHL, the Steelers in the NFL, and the Pirates in the MLB. Outside of professional major league sports, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers plays in the country's highest level of collegiate athletics, a D1 Power Five conference.

People are moving to Pittsburgh at increasing rates throughout the east coast. According to the latest renter migration report, the most significant migrations to Pittsburgh came from New York, New York, making up the most considerable portion at 7.1% of the moves into the city. Behind New York is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at 6.4%, and Washington, DC, at 4.1%.

If you're considering calling Pittsburgh home, check out the city's average rent and rent price trends. Then, once you’re ready, you can start looking through the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Pittsburgh.

2. Philadelphia

• Population: 1,603,797
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,272
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 11.29%
• Median Household Income: $49,127
• Walk Score: 75
• Transit Score: 67
• Bike Score: 67

Often colloquially referred to as Philly, Philadelphia is the most populated city within Pennsylvania and the sixth-most populated country. Yet, despite its dense population, Philadelphia is number two among the cheapest places to live in the state.

During the American Revolution, the Founding Fathers used Philadelphia as a meeting place, contributing to the city’s significance in the country’s history. Today, throughout the city, you can enjoy new age pleasures like treating yourself to an authentic Philly cheesesteak after posing with the Rocky Statue while also paying tribute to the rich history by stopping by the Liberty Bell.

There are 150 distinct neighborhoods and 100 suburbs within Philadelphia. The best neighborhoods in Philadelphia are Center City, Bella Vista, Chestnut Hill, University City, and Old City.

People from across the United States are migrating to Philadelphia for its affordability and high quality of life. However, according to the latest renter migration report, the most significant migration to Philadelphia came from New York City, making up an astonishing 22.1% of the moves into the city. Behind New York was Washington, DC, at 5.2%, and Allentown, at 4.1%.

It's time to start with some research if you're wondering how to find an apartment in Philadelphia. Take some time to look at things to know before moving to Philadelphia. Then, look at the cost of living in Philadelphia better to understand the average rent and rent price trends. Finally, check out the thousands of apartments available for rent in Philadelphia.

3. Lansdale

• Population: 18,773
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,551
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 15.83%
• Median Household Income: $70,931
• Walk Score: –
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: –

In Philly's northwest region, you’ll find the Lansdale borough in Montgomery County. Lansdale is a commuter town, with the vast majority of the population traveling into Philadelphia daily for work. Not surprisingly, the borough relies heavily on the SEPTA Regional Rail as a mode of transportation in and out of the city.

The borough was named after the chief surveyor of the North Penn Railroad, Phillip Lansdale Fox, when it was incorporated in 1872. Today, Lansdale only makes up just over three square miles of land.

Merrymead Farm is an iconic Lansdale spot with novelty ice cream and farm life. Great for a hot day; stop by for your sweet fix and stay with the animals. Another popular attraction in Lansdale is the Peter Wentz Farmstead, an 18th-century farmstead covering over 100 acres and once housed George Washington.

You can grab a drink at Boardroom Spirits, where you can learn all about the processes of making whisky, gin, vodka, etc. Otherwise, stop by Boyd’s Cardinal Hollow Winery for great-tasting wine and food.

Check out the hundreds of available apartments for rent now in Lansdale.

4. Norristown

• Population: 35,748
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,568
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 15.55%
• Median Household Income: $54,409
• Walk Score: 68
• Transit Score: 42
• Bike Score: 47

Norristown is another Pennsylvania borough and one of the cheapest areas in the state to live. Like Lansdale, Norristown sits within Montgomery County and spans 3.6 square miles.

The town was incorporated in 1812 as a borough. During this time, the area saw significant growth, booming from a borough of 500 to 22,265 in less than 50 years at the end of the Civil War. Norristown was one of the most popular boroughs in the state until the decline in population following World War II.

Today, the Norristown economy relies heavily on social services, legal, healthcare, and government. The most prominent employers in the borough include the Montgomery County government, the Norristown Area School District, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

There is one professional theater company, Theatre Horizon, and two performing arts centers found in Norristown, including the Centre Theatre and the Montgomery County Cultural Center. The three of these together make up the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.

In the last decade, Norristown has seen a significant revitalization, with the addition of a ten-story office building in the 1970s. While Norristown is still a smaller borough, it is seeing some improvements attracting a younger demographic to it once again.

Check out the hundreds of available apartments for rent now in Norristown.

5. Allentown

• Population: 125,845
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,599
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 15.79%
• Median Household Income: $43,816
• Walk Score: 67
• Transit Score: 37
• Bike Score: 42

Allentown is the third most populated city in Pennsylvania, falling behind Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. However, much like the other two popular cities, despite being listed as the best places to live in Pennsylvania, Allentown also makes our list of the cheapest places to live in the state.

The Allentown the state knows today has an award-winning park system and a rich Pennsylvania Dutch history. In history, the city was once a wilderness area where the Native Americans hunted deer, grouse, and other game.

The long history of professional baseball in Allentown dates back to 1884. The professional baseball teams of the city today are the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and the Philadelphia Phillies'. On the east side of Allentown, you’ll find one of the country's newest AAA parks, the 8,100-seat Coca-Cola Park.

To dive even deeper into the historical side of Allentown, you can enjoy an excellent history of the transportation industry at America on Wheels. You can also look into the people and industries of Lehigh County at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Center or learn about the history of Mack Trucks, which is no longer in business, at the Mack Trucks Historical Museum.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Allentown.

Final Thoughts - Where Should I Move to In Pennsylvania?

No matter what you are looking for in Pennsylvania, whether it be farm life in Lansdale or the hustle of a metropolitan area like Philadelphia, there’s something there for everyone. Thankfully, some of the best places to live in Pennsylvania are also the cheapest places in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown.

So, if you are interested in moving to Pennsylvania, the Keystone State, now might be a good time to start your research. First, find out more information about the cost of living in Pennsylvania. Next, register with Apartment List today and start checking out the thousands of available apartments to rent in Pennsylvania!