Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Allentown is 6% more expensive than High Point.

$1,269/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 16%
$53,403/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↑ 15%
$188,900 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$212,400 ↑ 12%
$1,243/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 13%
125,320
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
Sales Tax
4.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $7,825/year higher in High Point. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs High Point — common questions

Is Allentown or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and High Point?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or High Point?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $7,825/year higher in High Point.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and North Carolina?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Allentown details → View High Point details →