Average Rent in Scranton, PA↑ Rents rising 8.9% YoY

Scranton, PA has rental prices ranging from $949/month to $1,962/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,106/month — 21% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $63,656/year, spending $1,106/month on a 1-bedroom represents 21% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Scranton Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,363/month, Scranton ranks #12 most expensive of the 57 cities tracked in Pennsylvania — pricier than 85% of all US cities in our data.

The Scranton Rental Market

The Scranton, PA area has a population of about 567,887 and 33% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Scranton, PA have risen by $111/month (8.9%) over the past year, from $1,252 to $1,363. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Scranton, PA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $44,240. The local median household income of $63,656 exceeds that threshold by $19,416, making Scranton relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Scranton, PA is $202,099, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 12.4. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 12 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 Scranton's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are The Flats ($154,421 median home value), Bull's Head ($166,624 median home value), Downtown ($169,895 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Scranton, PA Affordable?

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

Rent or Buy in Scranton?

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

Living in Scranton

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