Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Alexandria is 94% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,031/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 38%
$113,638/yr ↑ 113%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 53%
$696,800 ↑ 269%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 73%
$2,173/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 43%
156,788
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $762/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $9,144/year.

Median household income is $60,235/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Allentown — common questions

Is Alexandria or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Allentown?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $762/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Allentown?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $60,235/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Pennsylvania?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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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