Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Philadelphia, PA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.8% of gross income.
Philadelphia rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Pennsylvania state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Pennsylvania cities have lower median rent than Philadelphia, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Philadelphia
View full rent data for Philadelphia, PA →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Philadelphia, PA?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,814 a month. A typical plumber in Pennsylvania earns about $66,429 a year, which makes that rent 32.8% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Philadelphia?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Pennsylvania (~$66,429/yr) supports up to $1,661 a month in rent. Philadelphia's current median rent is $1,814/mo, which is $153/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Philadelphia?
At an hourly equivalent of about $32 an hour, a plumber in Pennsylvania works roughly 56.8 hours a month to cover Philadelphia's median rent of $1,814.
Where is rent cheaper than Philadelphia for a plumber?
Nearby Pennsylvania cities with lower median rent include Brookhaven ($1,813/mo), Marcus Hook ($1,813/mo), Cranberry Township ($1,813/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.