Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania

Waterbury

Connecticut

Allentown is 3% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,269/mo ↑ 8%

Median Rent

$1,180/mo ↓ 7%

$53,403/yr ↑ 3%

Median Income

$51,642/yr ↓ 3%

$188,900 ↑ 2%

Home Value

$185,400 ↓ 2%

$1,243/mo ↓ 2%

Owner Costs

$1,273/mo ↑ 2%

125,320

Population

114,356

Tax Comparison

3.07%

Income Tax

6.99%

6.0%

Sales Tax

6.35%

1.49%

Property Tax

2.15%

Affordability

28.5%

rent-to-income

Affordability

27.4%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $1,761/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Allentown or Waterbury cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 79 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Allentown and Waterbury?

Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $89/month.

Which city has higher income, Allentown or Waterbury?

Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $1,761/year higher in Allentown.

How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Connecticut?

Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.

Should I move to Allentown or Waterbury?

It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.