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

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Allentown is 58% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,269/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 45%
$53,403/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 58%
$188,900 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 153%
$1,243/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 44%
125,320
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $573/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $6,876/year.

Median household income is $31,214/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Allentown or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $573/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $31,214/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Allentown details → View Santa Maria details →