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City Report · PA

Media

Pop. 5,870·8th most expensive in Pennsylvania·Media rents are up 18.0% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,488/mo
Year-over-Year
+18.0%
Month-over-Month
+11.0%
vs US Median
+$523
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Media · $2,488
More expensive than 79% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
28/100
Overpriced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 11% above what Media's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$2,488/mo
Expected by trend
$2,238/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Media's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,450
1 BR
$1,590
2 BR
$1,900
3 BR
$2,290
4 BR+
$2,600
Research median
$1,900/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
$29,856/yr
At $2,488/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 18.0% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+18.0% YoY, +11.0% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Media, PA is majority renter-occupied, has a large retiree population, 62.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
5,870
Median income
$89,092
Median age
44.9
Renters
58.3%
Age distribution
12.5%
25.1%
28.2%
22.3%
Under 1812.5%
18–3425.1%
35–5428.2%
55–6411.9%
65+22.3%
Gender
45.7%
54.3%
Male45.7%
Female54.3%
Race & ethnicity
82.7%
White82.7%
Black3.7%
Hispanic5%
Asian4.9%
Other3.7%
Education (25+)
16%
17.2%
62.2%
No HS diploma4.7%
HS diploma16%
Some college17.2%
Bachelor's+62.2%
Housing tenure
41.7%
58.3%
Owner41.7%
Renter58.3%

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

2023 vs 2026

How Media, PA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,795 → $2,488
up 38.6%
Income
$77,750 → $89,092
up 14.6%
Population
5,832 → 5,870
up 0.7%
Renter share
60.3% → 58.3%
-2.0 pts
Bachelor's+
54.4% → 62.2%
+7.8 pts
Median age
43 → 44.9
+1.9 yrs

The median rent in Media, PA stood at $1,795 in 2023 and currently runs about $2,488, reflecting a 38.6% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Media, PA now reports about $89,092, up from $77,750 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Renters now make up 58.3% of households, compared with 60.3% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 62.2% of adults here, versus 54.4% in 2021. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Media, PA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Media

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

Can you afford rent in Media on your salary?

At $2,488/mo, how Media rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Media rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Media

About renting in Media, PA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Media is $2,488/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,450/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,900/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,590/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,290/mo.

At 34% of local median household income ($89,092/yr), Media ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 18.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Media an affordable city for renters?

Media is considered moderate for renters. At $2,488/mo, rent takes approximately 34% of the local median household income ($89,092/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Media slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Media?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $100,000/year (~$48/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,488/mo in Media. The local median household income is $89,092/yr, meaning the typical Media household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Media?

Rent in Media has increased 18.0% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Media rent compare to other cities in Pennsylvania?

Media is one of the pricier cities in Pennsylvania for rent, ranking #8 out of 167 tracked cities at $2,488/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Media?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Media ($2,488/mo): Chester ($1,299/mo), Marcus Hook ($1,704/mo), Brookhaven ($1,806/mo).

What percentage of Media residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 58.3% of Media households are renters, while 41.7% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Media has a strong rental market.

How does Media rent compare to the national average?

Media's median rent of $2,488/mo is $523 (27%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Pennsylvania, it ranks #8 out of 167 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
34%
MODERATE

At $2,488/mo, rent takes ~34% of Media's median household income ($89,092/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Media 34%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.07%
Run the Media affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Media, PA

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