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

Allentown

Pennsylvania

Springfield

Illinois

Allentown is 18% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,269/mo ↑ 34%

Median Rent

$945/mo ↓ 26%

$53,403/yr ↓ 19%

Median Income

$65,537/yr ↑ 23%

$188,900 ↑ 22%

Home Value

$155,200 ↓ 18%

$1,243/mo ↑ 28%

Owner Costs

$974/mo ↓ 22%

125,320

Population

113,714

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

17.3%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $324/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,888/year.

Median household income is $12,134/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Springfield — common questions

Is Allentown or Springfield cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 79 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Allentown and Springfield?

Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $324/month.

Which city has higher income, Allentown or Springfield?

Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $12,134/year higher in Springfield.

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 Springfield?

It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.