City Report · PA

Bala Cynwyd

Pop. 10,227·16th most expensive in Pennsylvania·Bala-Cynwyd rents are up 17.4% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,380/mo
Year-over-Year
+17.4%
Month-over-Month
+6.3%
vs US Median
+$415
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Bala Cynwyd · $2,380
More expensive than 75% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
36/100
Overpriced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 7% above what Bala Cynwyd's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$2,380/mo
Expected by trend
$2,229/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Bala Cynwyd's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,730
1 BR
$1,910
2 BR
$2,270
3 BR
$2,730
4 BR+
$3,110
Research median
$2,270/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$28,560/yr
At $2,380/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 17.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+17.4% YoY, +6.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Bala Cynwyd, PA is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 75.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
10,227
Median income
$150,000
Median age
39.6
Renters
30.1%
Age distribution
31%
13.9%
25.4%
20.6%
Under 1831%
18–3413.9%
35–5425.4%
55–649.1%
65+20.6%
Gender
47.6%
52.4%
Male47.6%
Female52.4%
Race & ethnicity
76.3%
12.8%
White76.3%
Black12.8%
Hispanic1.1%
Asian5.9%
Other3.9%
Education (25+)
14.1%
75.7%
No HS diploma2.3%
HS diploma7.8%
Some college14.1%
Bachelor's+75.7%
Housing tenure
69.9%
30.1%
Owner69.9%
Renter30.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Bala Cynwyd, PA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,767 → $2,380
up 34.7%
Income
$128,945 → $150,000
up 16.3%
Population
8,858 → 10,227
up 15.5%
Renter share
23.2% → 30.1%
+6.9 pts
Bachelor's+
74.9% → 75.7%
+0.8 pts
Median age
41.9 → 39.6
-2.3 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in Bala Cynwyd, PA has shifted from $1,767 to $2,380, up 34.7% since 2021. Household income in the area moved from $128,945 to $150,000 across the same window, up 16.3% versus 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Bala Cynwyd, PA adding about 1,369 residents over the five-year window, up 15.5% on net. The renter share has risen from 23.2% to 30.1%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Bala Cynwyd, PA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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View Bala Cynwyd rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Bala Cynwyd on your salary?

At $2,380/mo, how Bala Cynwyd rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Bala Cynwyd rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Bala Cynwyd. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Bala Cynwyd

About renting in Bala Cynwyd, PA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Bala Cynwyd is $2,380/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,730/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,270/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,910/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,730/mo.

At 19% of local median household income ($150,000/yr), Bala Cynwyd ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 17.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Bala Cynwyd an affordable city for renters?

Bala Cynwyd is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,380/mo, rent takes approximately 19% of the local median household income ($150,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Bala Cynwyd falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Bala Cynwyd?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $95,000/year (~$46/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,380/mo in Bala Cynwyd. The local median household income is $150,000/yr, meaning the typical Bala Cynwyd household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Bala Cynwyd?

Rent in Bala Cynwyd has increased 17.4% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Bala Cynwyd rent compare to other cities in Pennsylvania?

Bala Cynwyd is one of the pricier cities in Pennsylvania for rent, ranking #16 out of 167 tracked cities at $2,380/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Bala Cynwyd?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Bala Cynwyd ($2,380/mo): Upper Darby ($1,347/mo), Lansdowne ($1,458/mo).

What percentage of Bala Cynwyd residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 30.1% of Bala Cynwyd households are renters, while 69.9% are owner-occupied. Bala Cynwyd leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Bala Cynwyd rent compare to the national average?

Bala Cynwyd's median rent of $2,380/mo is $415 (21%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Pennsylvania, it ranks #16 out of 167 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
19%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,380/mo, rent takes ~19% of Bala Cynwyd's median household income ($150,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Bala Cynwyd 19%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.07%
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Neighborhoods

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Schools nearby

Public schools near Bala Cynwyd, PA

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