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

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Allentown is 76% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,269/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 59%
$53,403/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 68%
$188,900 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 195%
$1,243/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 66%
125,320
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $744/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $8,928/year.

Median household income is $36,093/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Allentown or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Vallejo?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $744/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Vallejo?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $36,093/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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