Bethlehem, PA

Below Avg · 86

Pennsylvania · Population 77,069 · Updated March 2026

$1,311
Median Rent / Month
$66,443
Median Income
$236,500
Median Home Value
$1,289
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Bethlehem

23.7%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Pennsylvania

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

3.07%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.0%
Sales Tax
1.49%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$15,732
Annual Rent
$2,040
State Income Tax
$3,524
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Bethlehem offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 86 (where 100 equals the national median), Bethlehem residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,311/month while earning a median household income of $66,443/year.

The median home value in Bethlehem, PA is $236,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,289 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.7% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Pennsylvania has a moderate income tax rate of 3.07%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 1.49% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Bethlehem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Bethlehem

What is the cost of living in Bethlehem, PA?
The cost of living index in Bethlehem, PA is 86 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,311, median household income is $66,443/year, and the median home value is $236,500.
Is Bethlehem, PA affordable?
Yes, Bethlehem is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 86. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.7%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Bethlehem, PA?
The median gross rent in Bethlehem, PA is $1,311 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $15,732.
What is the median household income in Bethlehem?
The median household income in Bethlehem, PA is $66,443 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a top income tax rate of 3.07%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.49%.