Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Anchorage is 43% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,453/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 13%
$98,152/yr ↑ 84%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 46%
$375,900 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 50%
$1,698/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 27%
289,069
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.04%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $44,749/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Allentown — common questions

Is Anchorage or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Allentown?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Allentown?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $44,749/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Pennsylvania?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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 Anchorage details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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