Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania

East Los Angeles

California

134

Allentown is 55% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,269/mo ↓ 11%

Median Rent

$1,431/mo ↑ 13%

$53,403/yr ↓ 22%

Median Income

$68,378/yr ↑ 28%

$188,900 ↓ 69%

Home Value

$613,600 ↑ 225%

$1,243/mo ↓ 15%

Owner Costs

$1,458/mo ↑ 17%

125,320

Population

114,617

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

25.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $14,975/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Allentown or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 134 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Allentown and East Los Angeles?

Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $162/month.

Which city has higher income, Allentown or East Los Angeles?

Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $14,975/year higher in East Los Angeles.

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 East Los Angeles?

It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.