Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Allentown is 36% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,269/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 23%
$53,403/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 2%
$188,900 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 37%
$1,243/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 21%
125,320
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $1,233/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Lansing — common questions

Is Allentown or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Lansing?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Lansing?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $1,233/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Michigan?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Allentown details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Allentown and Lansing

Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo Lansing vs. Las Cruces Lansing vs. Pompano Beach Lansing vs. Gresham Lansing vs. Peoria Lansing vs. Beaumont Lansing vs. Downey