How Much Do Pennsylvanians Need to Make to Afford Rent?

The average annual salary needed to afford a two-bedroom rental in the U.S. is $70,000, according to Visual Capitalist via the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National Low Income Housing Coalition. 

With affordability defined as spending no more than 30% of income on rent, that comes out to $1,749 per month. The average hourly wage nationwide is $33.63. 

In Pennsylvania, renters need to make an annual salary of $57,900. The average hourly wage is $27.83. This places the commonwealth at no. 28 on the list of the most expensive rental markets. 

In comparison, the salaries needed for rent in neighboring states are as follows: 

• New York: $95,500 (ranked no. 3 most expensive) 
• New Jersey: $83,200 (no. 7) 
• Delaware: $66,900 (no. 17) 
• Maryland: $81,400 (no. 8) 
• West Virginia: $39,400 (no. 51 – least expensive overall) 
• Ohio: $46,800 (no. 37)