How much does it cost to rent in Mechanicsburg, PA?

As of July 2026, the median monthly rent in Mechanicsburg, PA is $1,971. This figure is based on aggregated data from public sources and community-submitted rents.

Is Mechanicsburg cheaper than other Pennsylvania cities?

Mechanicsburg is one of the pricier cities in Pennsylvania, ranking #42 out of 167 cities tracked at $1,971/mo.

When was Mechanicsburg rent data last updated?

Mechanicsburg rent data reflects July 2026 and was last refreshed on July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.

City Report · PA

Mechanicsburg

Name: Average Rent Prices in Mechanicsburg, PA
Creator: RentDataNow
License: https://rentdatanow.com/terms-of-service

Pop. 9,720·42nd most expensive in Pennsylvania·Mechanicsburg rents are up 8.2% over the past year

Median rent (all units)

$1,971/mo

Year-over-Year

+8.2%

Month-over-Month

+2.1%

vs US Median

+$6

Rising (Monthly)

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Most AffordableMost Expensive

Mechanicsburg · $1,971

More expensive than 57% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo

Rent Reality Score

57/100

Fairly priced

OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% below what Mechanicsburg's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent

$1,971/mo

Expected by trend

$2,040/mo

The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Mechanicsburg's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio

$1,140

1 BR

$1,330

2 BR

$1,635

3 BR

$2,100

4 BR+

$2,170

Research median

$1,635/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

$23,652/yr

At $1,971/mo median

Rent Market Meter

Strong Landlord's Market

Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market

Rents are up 8.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.

Based on rent-price momentum (+8.2% YoY, +2.1% MoM), not inventory.

Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Mechanicsburg, PA is majority owner-occupied, 42.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population

9,720

Median income

$84,421

Median age

40.1

Renters

30.4%

Age distribution

19.8%

20.2%

26.9%

16.3%

16.8%

Under 1819.8%

18–3420.2%

35–5426.9%

55–6416.3%

65+16.8%

Gender

54.3%

45.7%

Male54.3%

Female45.7%

Race & ethnicity

89.6%

White89.6%

Black1.5%

Hispanic3.8%

Asian2.3%

Other2.8%

Education (25+)

28.7%

23.9%

42.9%

No HS diploma4.5%

HS diploma28.7%

Some college23.9%

Bachelor's+42.9%

Housing tenure

69.6%

30.4%

Owner69.6%

Renter30.4%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Mechanicsburg, PA has changed in 5 years

Rent

$1,422 → $1,971

up 38.6%

Income

$65,994 → $84,421

up 27.9%

Population

9,310 → 9,720

up 4.4%

Renter share

33% → 30.4%

-2.6 pts

Bachelor's+

41.8% → 42.9%

+1.1 pts

Median age

38.1 → 40.1

+2.0 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Mechanicsburg, PA has climbed from $1,422 to $1,971, a 38.6% change over five years. Census figures show median household income at $84,421 today, compared with $65,994 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 4.4% since 2021, moving from about 9,310 residents to roughly 9,720. Renters now make up 30.4% of households, compared with 33% five years ago. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

Discussions about Mechanicsburg

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View Mechanicsburg rent history (2015–2026) →

Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Mechanicsburg on your salary?

At $1,971/mo, how Mechanicsburg rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Registered Nurse

Avg $93,535/yr · Rent = 25.3% income

affordable

Elementary School Teacher

Avg $66,409/yr · Rent = 35.6% income

stretched

Police Officer

Avg $76,497/yr · Rent = 30.9% income

stretched

Software Developer

Avg $136,729/yr · Rent = 17.3% income

very comfortable

Lawyer

Avg $174,705/yr · Rent = 13.5% income

very comfortable

Firefighter

Avg $62,182/yr · Rent = 38% income

stretched

Truck Driver

Avg $56,143/yr · Rent = 42.1% income

rent-burdened

Electrician

Avg $69,201/yr · Rent = 34.2% income

stretched

By apartment size

Mechanicsburg rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Mechanicsburg

About renting in Mechanicsburg, PA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Mechanicsburg is $1,971/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,140/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,635/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,330/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,100/mo.

At 28% of local median household income ($84,421/yr), Mechanicsburg ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 8.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Mechanicsburg an affordable city for renters?

Mechanicsburg is considered affordable for renters. At $1,971/mo, rent takes approximately 28% of the local median household income ($84,421/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Mechanicsburg falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Mechanicsburg?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $79,000/year (~$38/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,971/mo in Mechanicsburg. The local median household income is $84,421/yr, meaning the typical Mechanicsburg household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Mechanicsburg?

Rent in Mechanicsburg has increased 8.2% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Mechanicsburg neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Mechanicsburg are 17055 ($1,738/mo), and 17050 ($2,142/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Mechanicsburg is $1,971/mo.

How does Mechanicsburg rent compare to other cities in Pennsylvania?

Mechanicsburg is one of the pricier cities in Pennsylvania for rent, ranking #42 out of 167 tracked cities at $1,971/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Mechanicsburg?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Mechanicsburg ($1,971/mo): Lemoyne ($1,319/mo), Harrisburg ($1,361/mo), Camp Hill ($1,491/mo).

What percentage of Mechanicsburg residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 30.4% of Mechanicsburg households are renters, while 69.6% are owner-occupied. Mechanicsburg leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Mechanicsburg rent compare to the national average?

Mechanicsburg's median rent of $1,971/mo is $6 (0%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Pennsylvania, it ranks #42 out of 167 tracked cities.

Income Affordability

28%

AFFORDABLE

At $1,971/mo, rent takes ~28% of Mechanicsburg's median household income ($84,421/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Mechanicsburg 28%Benchmark 30%

State income tax3.07%

Run the Mechanicsburg affordability calculator →

Nearby cities