Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$45,424$3,785 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in State College, PA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: State College, PA
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for State College, PA MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,187 | $14,244 | $47,480 | 31.4% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,194 | $14,328 | $47,760 | 31.5% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,406 | $16,872 | $56,240 | 37.1% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,760 | $21,120 | $70,400 | 46.5% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,862 | $22,344 | $74,480 | 49.2% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in State College, PA
Based on the local median household income of $45,424/year ($3,785/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Pennsylvania
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Pennsylvania state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Pennsylvania with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in State College, PA
What is the median household income in State College, PA?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in State College, PA is $45,424 per year (approximately $3,785 per month).
What is the average rent in State College, PA?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in State College, PA are $1,187 for a studio, $1,194 for 1 bedroom, $1,406 for 2 bedrooms, $1,760 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,862 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in State College, PA compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in State College, PA is 96.8 (3.2% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in State College, PA?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,406/month) in State College, PA requires a minimum gross household income of $56,240 per year ($4,687 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in State College, PA?
For a typical household earning the median income of $45,424/year ($3,785/month) in State College, PA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,893/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,136/month to discretionary spending, and $757/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in State College, PA?
Residential electricity rates in Pennsylvania average 21.7¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $196 per month.