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

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Allentown is 149% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,269/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 89%
$53,403/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 106%
$188,900 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 458%
$1,243/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 98%
125,320
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,126/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $13,512/year.

Median household income is $56,670/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Allentown or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,126/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $56,670/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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