Can You Afford to Buy a Home in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
The median home in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre costs $176,500. To afford it at current mortgage rates with 20% down, you need a household income of about $51,257/year. Your monthly payment would be around $1,196, including taxes and insurance.
Based on national median home values adjusted by Scranton--Wilkes-Barre’s Regional Price Parity (93.56). Current 30-year fixed rate: 6.52% (Freddie Mac, as of Jun 11, 2026). Methodology
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Monthly payment breakdown
$176,500 home, 20% down, 6.52% rate, 30-year fixed
Rent vs. buy in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre
Buying is actually cheaper than renting here by $56/mo, and you build equity. Strong signal to explore homeownership.
What can you afford in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
Home price you can afford at each salary level (28% DTI, 20% down)
| Salary | Home you can afford | Monthly payment |
|---|---|---|
| $50K | $171K | $1,196 |
| $75K | $286K | $1,196 |
| $100K | $401K | $1,196 |
| $125K | $516K | $1,196 |
| $150K | $631K | $1,196 |
| $200K | $861K | $1,196 |
Based on 28% front-end DTI ratio, 20% down payment, 6.52% 30-year fixed rate, 1.1% property tax, ~$150/mo insurance.
Can common careers afford a home in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
Local median salary vs. the $51K needed to buy
Frequently asked questions
What salary do I need to buy a home in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
To comfortably afford the median home ($176,500) in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre with a 20% down payment and current mortgage rates, you need a household income of about $51,257. That keeps your housing costs at or below 28% of your gross income, which is the standard lender guideline.
How much does a house cost in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
The median home price in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA metro area is $176,500, based on the Census ACS 2023 median home value for the metro. Prices vary widely by neighborhood. A 20% down payment would be $35,300, or $8,825 at 5% down.
What would my monthly mortgage be in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
On a $176,500 home with 20% down at current rates, your estimated monthly payment would be $1,196 including principal, interest, property tax, and insurance. With only 5% down, add about $70/mo for PMI.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
Median 2-bedroom rent in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is $1,252/mo (HUD Fair Market Rent). The estimated mortgage payment on the median home is $1,196/mo. Buying and renting are close in monthly cost, but buying builds equity.