Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Arlington is 157% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,275/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 44%
$140,160/yr ↑ 162%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 62%
$864,800 ↑ 358%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 78%
$2,414/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 49%
235,463
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,006/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $12,072/year.

Median household income is $86,757/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Allentown — common questions

Is Arlington or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Allentown?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $1,006/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Allentown?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $86,757/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Pennsylvania?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Allentown details →

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