Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Allentown is 40% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,269/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 35%
$53,403/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 30%
$188,900 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 96%
$1,243/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 34%
125,320
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $440/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $5,280/year.

Median household income is $15,858/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Allentown or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $440/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $15,858/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Florida?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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