Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Allentown is 12% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$1,269/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 17%
$53,403/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 26%
$188,900 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$248,000 ↑ 31%
$1,243/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 3%
125,320
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $218/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $2,616/year.

Median household income is $14,118/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Allentown or Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $218/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $14,118/year higher in Palm Bay.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Florida?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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