Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Murrieta, CA (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Allentown is 96% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,269/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 84%
$53,403/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 106%
$188,900 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 221%
$1,243/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 91%
125,320
Population
111,621

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,061/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $12,732/year.

Median household income is $56,377/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Allentown or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Murrieta?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,061/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Murrieta?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $56,377/year higher in Murrieta.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and California?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Allentown details → View Murrieta details →