Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Allentown is 48% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,269/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 42%
$53,403/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 112%
$188,900 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 218%
$1,243/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 57%
125,320
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $533/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $6,396/year.

Median household income is $59,993/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Arvada — common questions

Is Allentown or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Arvada?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $533/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Arvada?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $59,993/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Colorado?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Allentown details → View Arvada details →

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