Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Akron is 24% cheaper than Allentown.

$930/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 36%
$48,544/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 10%
$111,200 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 70%
$904/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 38%
189,526
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $4,859/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Allentown — common questions

Is Akron or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Allentown?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Allentown?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $4,859/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Pennsylvania?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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