Average Rent in York, PA↑ Rents rising 12.1% YoY🔺 8th priciest in PA

York, PA has rental prices ranging from $953/month to $1,883/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,076/month — 23% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $82,238/year, spending $1,076/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How York Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,342/month, York ranks #8 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in Pennsylvania — pricier than 88% of all US cities in our data.

The York Rental Market

The York, PA area has a population of about 459,312 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 York, PA have risen by $145/month (12.1%) over the past year, from $1,197 to $1,342. 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 York, PA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $43,040. The local median household income of $82,238 exceeds that threshold by $39,198, making York relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in York, PA is $280,170, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 17.4. With a break-even horizon of approximately 17 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across York's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are North York ($186,277 median home value), West York ($191,993 median home value), Veterans Memorial Park ($197,184 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 York, PA Affordable?

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

Rent or Buy in York?

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

Living in York

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