Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Allentown is 11% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,269/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ≈ Same
$53,403/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 65%
$188,900 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 34%
$1,243/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 21%
125,320
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $34,913/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Elgin — common questions

Is Allentown or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Elgin?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Elgin?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $34,913/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Illinois?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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