Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Athens is 5% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,162/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 9%
$51,655/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 3%
$271,800 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 31%
$1,163/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 7%
126,987
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $107/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $1,284/year.

Median household income is $1,748/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Allentown — common questions

Is Athens or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Allentown?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $107/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Allentown?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $1,748/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Pennsylvania?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/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 Athens details → View Allentown details →

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Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo