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

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Anaheim is 103% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,082/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 39%
$90,583/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 41%
$771,700 ↑ 309%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 76%
$2,165/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 43%
344,553
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $813/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $9,756/year.

Median household income is $37,180/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Allentown — common questions

Is Anaheim or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Allentown?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $813/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Allentown?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $37,180/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Allentown details →