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

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Downey

California
169

Allentown is 90% cheaper than Downey.

$1,269/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 49%
$53,403/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 64%
$188,900 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 286%
$1,243/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 61%
125,320
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $623/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $7,476/year.

Median household income is $33,997/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Downey — common questions

Is Allentown or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Downey?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $623/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Downey?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $33,997/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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