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

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Allentown is 88% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,269/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 73%
$53,403/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 92%
$188,900 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 214%
$1,243/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 79%
125,320
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $922/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $11,064/year.

Median household income is $48,918/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Allentown or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Fairfield?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $922/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Fairfield?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $48,918/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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