Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Allentown is 40% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,269/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 26%
$53,403/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 43%
$188,900 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 109%
$1,243/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 35%
125,320
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $334/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $4,008/year.

Median household income is $22,802/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Lowell — common questions

Is Allentown or Lowell 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 Lowell?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $334/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Lowell?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $22,802/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Massachusetts?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Allentown details → View Lowell details →