Average Rent in Harrisburg, PA↑ Rents rising 7.7% YoY🔺 6th priciest in PA

Harrisburg, PA has rental prices ranging from $953/month to $1,818/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,114/month — 20% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $79,281/year, spending $1,114/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Harrisburg Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,371/month, Harrisburg ranks #6 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in Pennsylvania — pricier than 89% of all US cities in our data.

The Harrisburg Rental Market

The Harrisburg, PA area has a population of about 597,894 and 32% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Harrisburg, PA have risen by $98/month (7.7%) over the past year, from $1,273 to $1,371. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Harrisburg, PA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $44,560. The local median household income of $79,281 exceeds that threshold by $34,721, making Harrisburg relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Harrisburg, PA is $269,306, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 16.4. With a break-even horizon of approximately 16 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 Harrisburg's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Allison Hill ($126,170 median home value), South Harrisburg ($138,961 median home value), Uptown ($150,072 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 Harrisburg, PA Affordable?

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

Rent or Buy in Harrisburg?

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

Living in Harrisburg

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