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

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Concord

California
187

Allentown is 108% cheaper than Concord.

$1,269/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 75%
$53,403/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 104%
$188,900 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 300%
$1,243/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 84%
125,320
Population
124,260

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $957/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $11,484/year.

Median household income is $55,792/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Concord — common questions

Is Allentown or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Concord?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $957/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Concord?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $55,792/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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