Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia's price-to-income ratio is 5.0x — homes cost 5.0 times the local median household income of $52,800. Housing is stretched relative to local incomes. Many workers are effectively priced out of buying, creating deep rental demand. This is favorable for landlords but also means your tenants may be more cost-sensitive.
A typical mortgage payment on a median-priced home in Philadelphia (20% down at 7%) is approximately $1,762/mo for principal and interest alone — add taxes and insurance and the all-in payment reaches roughly $2,151. The median rent of $1,480/mo is significantly less than buying — this rent-vs-buy gap is one of the strongest indicators of sustainable rental demand. When renting is cheaper than buying, the renter pool stays deep and vacancy stays low.
The median household income in Philadelphia is $52,800, with a population of 1,576,251 growing at 0.2% per year. As a major metro, Philadelphia has a diversified employment base that provides stability through economic cycles.
Despite higher relative prices, Philadelphia compensates with deep rental demand from a large population priced out of homeownership. Focus on neighborhoods where rent growth is strongest and tenant quality is highest.