Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Albuquerque and Allentown have a similar cost of living.

$1,085/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 17%
$65,604/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 19%
$266,700 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 29%
$1,149/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 8%
562,488
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $12,201/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Allentown — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Allentown?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Allentown?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $12,201/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Pennsylvania?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/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.
View Albuquerque details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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