Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Media?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Media, you need to earn at least $66,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $85,951, which means the typical resident is $19,031 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 5,860

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,171	$3,903	$46,840	$-39,111
1 Bedroom	$1,389	$4,630	$55,560	$-30,391
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,673	$5,577	$66,920	$-19,031
3 Bedroom	$2,041	$6,803	$81,640	$-4,311
4 Bedroom	$2,510	$8,367	$100,400	+$14,449

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Media's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$85,951

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$66,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$19,031

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Media

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Media's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,149

Studio

$1,171/mo

1 BR

$1,389/mo

2 BR

$1,673/mo

3 BR

$2,041/mo

4 BR

$2,510/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Media.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Media's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Media

Living in Media is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $19,031 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Media typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Media, a studio at $1,171/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,041/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $81,640.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $100,380 would position you well — though many residents in Media manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Media, Pennsylvania.

With a total population of 5,860, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,690 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $66,920 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

3,690

Active civilian employees in Media

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Media

What salary do I need to live in Media, Pennsylvania?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Media under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $66,920. The median household income in Media is $85,951.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Media on $85,951?

The affordability verdict for Media is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.4%, meaning median earners have a $19,031 surplus.

What is the average rent in Media compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Media is $1,389/month. With a median household income of $85,951, residents spend approximately 23.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Media?

A studio in Media rents for approximately $1,171/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $46,840 to afford this.

Is Media considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $19,031 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Media is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $66,920 to the local median household income.

How Media Compares

Other cities in Pennsylvania with salary requirements