Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Wilkes-Barre?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wilkes-Barre, you need to earn at least $43,240/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $46,597, which means the typical resident is $3,357 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 44,123

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$757	$2,523	$30,280	$-16,317
1 Bedroom	$897	$2,990	$35,880	$-10,717
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,081	$3,603	$43,240	$-3,357
3 Bedroom	$1,319	$4,397	$52,760	+$6,163
4 Bedroom	$1,622	$5,407	$64,880	+$18,283

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$46,597

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$43,240

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$3,357

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 27.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Wilkes-Barre

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Wilkes-Barre's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,165

Studio

$757/mo

1 BR

$897/mo

2 BR

$1,081/mo

3 BR

$1,319/mo

4 BR

$1,622/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Wilkes-Barre.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Wilkes-Barre

Wilkes-Barre is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $3,357. This means most households can technically afford a 2-bedroom, but have very little breathing room for savings or emergencies.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($897/month) or studio ($757/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Wilkes-Barre pushes the required income to $52,760.

For comfortable living in Wilkes-Barre without financial stress, target a household income of at least $64,860 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Pennsylvania's cost of living.

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 Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

With a total population of 44,123, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 18,456 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $43,240 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

18,456

Active civilian employees in Wilkes-Barre

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Wilkes-Barre

What salary do I need to live in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wilkes-Barre under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $43,240. The median household income in Wilkes-Barre is $46,597.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Wilkes-Barre on $46,597?

The affordability verdict for Wilkes-Barre is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 27.8%, meaning median earners have a $3,357 surplus.

What is the average rent in Wilkes-Barre compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Wilkes-Barre is $897/month. With a median household income of $46,597, residents spend approximately 27.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Wilkes-Barre?

A studio in Wilkes-Barre rents for approximately $757/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,280 to afford this.

Is Wilkes-Barre considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $3,357 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Wilkes-Barre is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $43,240 to the local median household income.

How Wilkes-Barre Compares

Other cities in Pennsylvania with salary requirements