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

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Richmond

California
161

Allentown is 51% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,269/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 49%
$53,403/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 69%
$188,900 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 244%
$1,243/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 62%
125,320
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $626/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $7,512/year.

Median household income is $36,635/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Richmond — common questions

Is Allentown or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Richmond?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $626/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Richmond?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $36,635/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Allentown details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell