Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Allentown is 172% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,269/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 68%
$53,403/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 103%
$188,900 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 615%
$1,243/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 88%
125,320
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $858/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $10,296/year.

Median household income is $55,155/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Allentown or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Berkeley?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $858/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Berkeley?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $55,155/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and California?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Allentown details → View Berkeley details →