salaryRent is lower than in 62% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 8.9 years of household income, so buying is hard for most locals. Commutes are short, about 15.5 minutes. Most households rent (74%), so there are plenty of rental options. It is a highly educated city: 68.4% of adults have a college degree.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $57,240 a year. That is $28 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Pennsylvania cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Pennsylvania. It is number 144 of 269 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in State College?
Share of households by yearly income. 19.7% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in State College
| Size | State College | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,279 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,284 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,458 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,589 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,047 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is State College overall?
Everyday prices in the State College metro area are 3% below the U.S. average (index 96.8, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in State College
Life in State College
What jobs pay in State College
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $135,010 | 12.7% |
| Physician Assistant | $128,480 | 13.4% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $124,470 | 13.8% |
| Lawyer | $107,850 | 15.9% |
| Software Developer | $103,620 | 16.6% |
| Civil Engineer | $96,110 | 17.9% |
| Operations Manager | $91,120 | 18.8% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $84,330 | 20.4% |
| Registered Nurse | $81,480 | 21.1% |
| Dental Hygienist | $78,530 | 21.9% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $76,760 | 22.4% |
| Accountant | $73,040 | 23.5% |
| Police Officer | $70,510 | 24.4% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $61,960 | 27.7% |
| Market Research Analyst | $61,050 | 28.1% |
| HVAC Technician | $57,970 | 29.6% |
| Electrician | $57,600 | 29.8% |
| Plumber | $57,560 | 29.8% |
| Truck Driver | $56,130 | 30.6% |
| Carpenter | $55,690 | 30.8% |
| Medical Assistant | $42,720 | 40.2% |
| Customer Service Representative | $42,590 | 40.3% |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,440 | 43.5% |
| Warehouse Worker | $36,970 | 46.4% |
| Restaurant Cook | $35,990 | 47.7% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $35,280 | 48.7% |
| Retail Salesperson | $29,240 | 58.7% |
| Cashier | $28,090 | 61.1% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in State College?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $1,607 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $437,800 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $43,780 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in State College, PA?
Renting in State College costs a median of about $1,431 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Pennsylvania median is $1,367.
How much do I need to make to live in State College?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $57,240 a year, or $28 an hour at a full-time job.
Is State College cheap or expensive?
State College is rated Expensive: rent takes 35.1% of the typical household income of $48,990. It ranks 144th cheapest of 269 Pennsylvania cities we track.
How much are property taxes in State College?
The median homeowner in State College pays $4,618 a year in property taxes, about 1.05% of the median home value.
Is State College more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 3% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in State College?
The median home value in State College is $437,800, about 8.9 times the typical yearly household income.
41,050 people live in State College. Numbers are typical (middle) values.