True Cost of Renting in Scranton, PA

Scranton is best known as Dunder Mifflin's fictional home (The Office) and as one of the most affordable mid-sized cities in the Northeast. The Electric City Trolley Museum celebrates the city's transit heritage. PPL Electric serves the area. I-81 provides a 2-hour drive to NYC and a 2.5-hour drive to Philadelphia, making Scranton viable for commuters who can work remotely most days.

Neighborhoods & Average Rents

Hill Section

Studio:
$750/mo
1 Bed:
$950/mo
2 Bed:
$1,300/mo

Scranton's most historic residential neighborhood; Victorian homes and apartment buildings. University of Scranton is adjacent. PPL Electric. Mix of student and non-student renters. Walkable to the Downtown core. Strong Catholic university influence.

Downtown Scranton / Courthouse Square

Studio:
$700/mo
1 Bed:
$900/mo
2 Bed:
$1,300/mo

City center with the Lackawanna County Courthouse and government offices; new apartment development in historic commercial buildings. COLTS bus service. Access to Steamtown National Historic Site and Electric City Trolley Museum.

Dunmore / South Scranton Adjacent

1 Bed:
$850/mo
2 Bed:
$1,200/mo

Adjacent suburban areas with apartment complexes and rental homes; safer residential character than some Downtown blocks. Car required. I-81 access. Lower rents than Hill Section.

Utility Providers

Electric
PPL Electric Utilities
Water
Pennsylvania American Water
Internet
Comcast Xfinity, Verizon, Breezeline

Commute & Transportation

Scranton has limited transit options — car ownership is essentially required. I-81 connects south to I-476 (Northeast Extension of PA Turnpike) toward Philadelphia, and north toward Syracuse, NY. I-84 is accessible 30 miles east, connecting to the NYC Metro area (2 hours via I-80 or Route 46). Major employers: Geisinger Community Medical Center, Regional Hospital of Scranton, Lackawanna College, University of Scranton, and a growing distribution and logistics sector along I-81.

Rental Market Overview

Scranton is genuinely among the most affordable cities in the Northeast with Internet access fast enough for remote work and I-81 highway access within 2 hours of NYC. PPL Electric rates are moderate. The University of Scranton enrollment creates consistent rental demand near the Hill Section. Work-from-home migration has added demand since 2020, pushing rents up from ultra-low levels, but they remain extremely affordable. Renters insurance averages $12–16/month.

Data last updated: 2026-04

Compare Apartments in Scranton

Enter your rental options below to see the true all-in monthly cost.

Renting in Scranton: Common Questions

What is the average rent in Scranton?
One-bedroom apartments in Scranton range from $850/month in Dunmore / South Scranton Adjacent to $950/month in Hill Section. Two-bedroom units range from $1,200 to $1,300/month. These are base rents — add fees, utilities, and amenity costs to get the true all-in monthly cost.
What utilities do I need to set up in Scranton?
In Scranton, electricity is provided by PPL Electric Utilities, water by Pennsylvania American Water, and common internet providers include Comcast Xfinity, Verizon, Breezeline. Check whether your lease includes water or trash — some buildings bundle these into rent while others charge separately. Always ask the leasing office for the average monthly utility bill before signing.
What neighborhoods are affordable in Scranton?
Dunmore / South Scranton Adjacent is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Scranton, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $850/month. Adjacent suburban areas with apartment complexes and rental homes; safer residential character than some Downtown blocks. Car required. I-81 access. Lower rents than Hill Section. Remember to factor in commute costs and parking fees when comparing neighborhoods — a cheaper base rent farther from work may cost more overall.
Is Scranton expensive to rent in?
Scranton is genuinely among the most affordable cities in the Northeast with Internet access fast enough for remote work and I-81 highway access within 2 hours of NYC. PPL Electric rates are moderate. Use RentCompare to calculate the true all-in cost for any apartment in Scranton — base rent alone does not tell the full story.

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