Pennsylvania · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in York, PA

The median household in York, PA earns $48,420 a year ($4,035/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,335/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $53,400 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 4% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$48,420$4,035 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,335HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)96.0-4% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate21.7¢per kWh · EIA Residential PA
Census Population44,938Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in York, PA

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Moderate cost burden (30–50%)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,335Monthly market rent
Share of gross income33.1%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$53,400To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,211At 30% of $48,420
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: York, PA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for York-Hanover, PA MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for York, PA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$925$11,100$37,00022.9%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,060$12,720$42,40026.3%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,335$16,020$53,40033.1%
3-Bedroom Home$1,796$21,552$71,84044.5%
4-Bedroom Home$1,850$22,200$74,00045.8%

See dedicated rental breakdown for York, PA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in York, PA

Based on the local median household income of $48,420/year ($4,035/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,018/moRent ($1,335 2-BR), utilities (~$196/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,211/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 96.0 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$807/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

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.

$48,420
$15,000$100,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$48,420
Net 82%
Fed 7%
PA 3%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$39,599After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,300Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,523Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate18.2%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$3,630 / yr
Pennsylvania state income tax$1,486 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,704 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Pennsylvania with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in York, PA

What is the median household income in York, PA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in York, PA is $48,420 per year (approximately $4,035 per month).

What is the average rent in York, PA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in York, PA are $925 for a studio, $1,060 for 1 bedroom, $1,335 for 2 bedrooms, $1,796 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,850 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in York, PA compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in York, PA is 96.0 (4% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in York, PA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,335/month) in York, PA requires a minimum gross household income of $53,400 per year ($4,450 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in York, PA?

For a typical household earning the median income of $48,420/year ($4,035/month) in York, PA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,018/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,211/month to discretionary spending, and $807/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in York, 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.