Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania

North Charleston

South Carolina

Allentown is 12% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,269/mo ↓ 7%

Median Rent

$1,364/mo ↑ 7%

$53,403/yr ↓ 15%

Median Income

$62,789/yr ↑ 18%

$188,900 ↓ 29%

Home Value

$267,700 ↑ 42%

$1,243/mo ↓ 5%

Owner Costs

$1,312/mo ↑ 6%

125,320

Population

117,460

Tax Comparison

3.07%

Income Tax

6.4%

6.0%

Sales Tax

6.0%

1.49%

Property Tax

0.57%

Affordability

28.5%

rent-to-income

Affordability

26.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $9,386/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Allentown or North Charleston cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 91 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Allentown and North Charleston?

Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $95/month.

Which city has higher income, Allentown or North Charleston?

Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $9,386/year higher in North Charleston.

How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and South Carolina?

Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.

Should I move to Allentown or North Charleston?

It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.