Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Allentown is 67% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,269/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 116%
$53,403/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 137%
$188,900 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 451%
$1,243/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 112%
125,320
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,473/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $17,676/year.

Median household income is $73,066/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Allentown or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Cambridge?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,473/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Cambridge?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $73,066/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Massachusetts?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Allentown details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

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