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City Report · PA

Scranton

Pop. 76,033·128th most expensive in Pennsylvania·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,315/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.8%
Month-over-Month
-4.1%
vs US Median
-$650
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Scranton · $1,315
More affordable than 87% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
71/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 11% below what Scranton's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,315/mo
Expected by trend
$1,469/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Scranton's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$782
1 BR
$934
2 BR
$1,130
3 BR
$1,472
4 BR+
$1,608
Research median
$1,130/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
$15,780/yr
At $1,315/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (up only 4.8% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (+4.8% YoY, -4.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Scranton, PA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 23.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
76,033
Median income
$50,739
Median age
37.2
Renters
50.1%
Age distribution
21.2%
25.4%
22.7%
19%
Under 1821.2%
18–3425.4%
35–5422.7%
55–6411.7%
65+19%
Gender
49.2%
50.8%
Male49.2%
Female50.8%
Race & ethnicity
67.4%
17.9%
White67.4%
Black6.9%
Hispanic17.9%
Asian5.3%
Other2.4%
Education (25+)
13.2%
38.7%
24.9%
23.1%
No HS diploma13.2%
HS diploma38.7%
Some college24.9%
Bachelor's+23.1%
Housing tenure
49.9%
50.1%
Owner49.9%
Renter50.1%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Scranton, PA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,001 → $1,315
up 31.4%
Income
$44,161 → $50,739
up 14.9%
Population
75,987 → 76,033
up 0.1%
Renter share
50.1% → 50.1%
+0.0 pts
Bachelor's+
23.1% → 23.1%
+0.0 pts

The median rent in Scranton, PA stood at $1,001 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,315, reflecting a 31.4% increase over the period. Household income in the area moved from $44,161 to $50,739 across the same window, up 14.9% versus 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Scranton, PA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Scranton on your salary?

At $1,315/mo, how Scranton rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Scranton rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Scranton

About renting in Scranton, PA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Scranton is $1,315/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $782/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,130/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $934/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,472/mo.

At 31% of local median household income ($50,739/yr), Scranton ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Scranton an affordable city for renters?

Scranton is considered moderate for renters. At $1,315/mo, rent takes approximately 31% of the local median household income ($50,739/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Scranton slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Scranton?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $53,000/year (~$25/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,315/mo in Scranton. The local median household income is $50,739/yr, meaning the typical Scranton household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Scranton?

Rent in Scranton has increased 4.8% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Scranton neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Scranton are 18505 ($1,205/mo), 18504 ($1,207/mo), and 18510 ($1,326/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Scranton is $1,315/mo.

How does Scranton rent compare to other cities in Pennsylvania?

Scranton is one of the more affordable cities in Pennsylvania for rent, ranking #128 out of 167 tracked cities at $1,315/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Scranton?

Pittston is nearby and more affordable at $1,119/mo, which is $196 less than Scranton.

What percentage of Scranton residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 50.1% of Scranton households are renters, while 49.9% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Scranton has a strong rental market.

How does Scranton rent compare to the national average?

Scranton's median rent of $1,315/mo is $650 (33%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Pennsylvania, it ranks #128 out of 167 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
31%
MODERATE

At $1,315/mo, rent takes ~31% of Scranton's median household income ($50,739/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Scranton 31%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.07%
Run the Scranton affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Scranton, PA

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