Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania

Wilmington

North Carolina

100

Allentown is 21% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,269/mo ↓ 3%

Median Rent

$1,311/mo ↑ 3%

$53,403/yr ↓ 16%

Median Income

$63,900/yr ↑ 20%

$188,900 ↓ 46%

Home Value

$350,300 ↑ 85%

$1,243/mo ↓ 9%

Owner Costs

$1,371/mo ↑ 10%

125,320

Population

118,578

Tax Comparison

3.07%

Income Tax

4.5%

6.0%

Sales Tax

4.75%

1.49%

Property Tax

0.8%

Affordability

28.5%

rent-to-income

Affordability

24.6%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,497/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Allentown or Wilmington cheaper to live in?

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

What is the rent difference between Allentown and Wilmington?

Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $42/month.

Which city has higher income, Allentown or Wilmington?

Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $10,497/year higher in Wilmington.

How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and North Carolina?

Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to Allentown or Wilmington?

It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.