Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Allentown is 26% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,269/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 21%
$53,403/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 21%
$188,900 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 73%
$1,243/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 14%
125,320
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $270/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $3,240/year.

Median household income is $11,037/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Allentown or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Clearwater?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $270/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Clearwater?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $11,037/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Florida?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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