Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Allentown is 40% cheaper than Gresham.

$1,269/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↑ 19%
$53,403/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↑ 38%
$188,900 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$440,000 ↑ 133%
$1,243/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↑ 28%
125,320
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.0%
Sales Tax
0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $20,205/year higher in Gresham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Gresham — common questions

Is Allentown or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Gresham?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Gresham?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $20,205/year higher in Gresham.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Oregon?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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