Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Allentown is 52% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,269/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 35%
$53,403/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 85%
$188,900 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 157%
$1,243/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 29%
125,320
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $445/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $5,340/year.

Median household income is $45,283/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Meridian — common questions

Is Allentown or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Meridian?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $445/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Meridian?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $45,283/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Idaho?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Allentown details → View Meridian details →