Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Allentown is 18% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,269/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 25%
$53,403/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 10%
$188,900 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 21%
$1,243/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 19%
125,320
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $5,313/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Peoria — common questions

Is Allentown or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Peoria?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Peoria?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $5,313/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Illinois?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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