RentData

Average Rent in Johnstown, PA↓ Rents falling 2.0% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in PA

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 132,355

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Johnstown, PA has rental prices ranging from $832/month to $1,429/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $837/month — 40% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $56,292/year, spending $837/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Johnstown Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,014/month, Johnstown ranks #55 most expensive of the 57 cities tracked in Pennsylvania — more affordable than 63% of all US cities in our data.

The Johnstown Rental Market

The Johnstown, PA area has a population of about 132,355 and 24% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Johnstown, PA have fallen by $21/month (2.0%) over the past year, from $1,035 to $1,014. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Johnstown, PA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $33,480. The local median household income of $56,292 exceeds that threshold by $22,812, making Johnstown relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Johnstown, PA is $106,179, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 8.7. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 9 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Johnstown's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Elim ($145,477 median home value), Belmont ($156,371 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$832
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$837
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,014
↓2.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,404
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,429
Average
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Median Home Value
$106,179
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$565/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Johnstown, PA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$40,560/year
Local median income: $56,292
To buy a median home
$22,605/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,014/month and 20% down on a $106,179 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in PAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Pike County$1,270$1,279$1,657$2,152—
Pittsburgh$1,075$1,146$1,389$1,773—
Allentown$1,302$1,519$1,839$2,306—
Harrisburg$1,166$1,285$1,598$2,055—
Scranton$949$1,106$1,363$1,786—
Lancaster$1,152$1,256$1,553$1,978—

Rent or Buy in Johnstown?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Johnstown data

$
Home Value
$106,179
2BR Rent
$1,014/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$565/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $782/movs rent: $1,014/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $106,179 home at 7% rate

20% — $21,236
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$565
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$84,943
Total Paid
$203,447
Total Interest
$118,504
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Johnstown

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Johnstown

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Johnstown

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Johnstown

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in PA

See how Johnstown ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Johnstown

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋PA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections