Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Allentown and Lafayette have a similar cost of living.

$1,269/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 16%
$53,403/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 15%
$188,900 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 33%
$1,243/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 15%
125,320
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
Sales Tax
4.45%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $8,051/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Allentown or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Lafayette?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Lafayette?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $8,051/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Louisiana?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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