Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Allentown is 27% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,269/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 15%
$53,403/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 45%
$188,900 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 78%
$1,243/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 25%
125,320
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $24,012/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Manchester — common questions

Is Allentown or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Manchester?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Manchester?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $24,012/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and New Hampshire?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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