City Report · PA

Carnegie

Pop. 7,978·138th most expensive in Pennsylvania·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,289/mo
Year-over-Year
+0.9%
Month-over-Month
-4.0%
vs US Median
-$673
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Carnegie · $1,289
More affordable than 88% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
60/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% below what Carnegie's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,289/mo
Expected by trend
$1,356/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Carnegie's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$940
1 BR
$1,000
2 BR
$1,200
3 BR
$1,530
4 BR+
$1,650
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,200/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,289 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$15,468/yr
At $1,289/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 0.9% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.9% YoY, -4.0% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Carnegie, PA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large retiree population, 36.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
7,978
Median income
$67,656
Median age
40.4
Renters
46.5%
Age distribution
16.5%
22%
26.5%
13.5%
21.4%
Under 1816.5%
18–3422%
35–5426.5%
55–6413.5%
65+21.4%
Gender
49.6%
50.4%
Male49.6%
Female50.4%
Race & ethnicity
79.9%
White79.9%
Black10.4%
Hispanic2.2%
Asian2.7%
Other4.8%
Education (25+)
25.5%
31.4%
36.6%
No HS diploma6.5%
HS diploma25.5%
Some college31.4%
Bachelor's+36.6%
Housing tenure
53.5%
46.5%
Owner53.5%
Renter46.5%

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

2022 vs 2026

How Carnegie, PA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,078 → $1,289
up 19.6%
Income
$54,067 → $67,656
up 25.1%
Population
8,100 → 7,978
down 1.5%
Renter share
41.5% → 46.5%
+5.0 pts
Bachelor's+
32.3% → 36.6%
+4.3 pts
Median age
41.3 → 40.4
-0.9 yrs

The median rent in Carnegie, PA stood at $1,078 in 2022 and currently runs about $1,289, reflecting a 19.6% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Carnegie, PA now reports about $67,656, up from $54,067 in 2021. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. The population has contracted by 1.5% since 2021, moving from about 8,100 residents to roughly 7,978. Renters now make up 46.5% of households, compared with 41.5% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 36.6% of adults here, versus 32.3% in 2021. For context, the 2022 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Carnegie, PA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Carnegie rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Carnegie on your salary?

At $1,289/mo, how Carnegie rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Carnegie rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Carnegie

About renting in Carnegie, PA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Carnegie is $1,289/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $940/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,200/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,000/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,530/mo.

At 23% of local median household income ($67,656/yr), Carnegie ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 0.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Carnegie an affordable city for renters?

Carnegie is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,289/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the local median household income ($67,656/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Carnegie falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Carnegie?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $52,000/year (~$25/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,289/mo in Carnegie. The local median household income is $67,656/yr, meaning the typical Carnegie household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Carnegie?

Rent in Carnegie has increased 0.9% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Carnegie rent compare to other cities in Pennsylvania?

Carnegie is one of the more affordable cities in Pennsylvania for rent, ranking #138 out of 169 tracked cities at $1,289/mo.

What percentage of Carnegie residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 46.5% of Carnegie households are renters, while 53.5% are owner-occupied. Carnegie leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Carnegie rent compare to the national average?

Carnegie's median rent of $1,289/mo is $673 (34%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Pennsylvania, it ranks #138 out of 169 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
23%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,289/mo, rent takes ~23% of Carnegie's median household income ($67,656/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Carnegie 23%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.07%
Run the Carnegie affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Public schools near Carnegie, PA

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