Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Aurora is 27% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,535/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 17%
$90,109/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 41%
$260,400 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 27%
$1,591/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 22%
179,867
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $266/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $3,192/year.

Median household income is $36,706/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Allentown — common questions

Is Aurora or Allentown 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 Aurora and Allentown?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $266/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Allentown?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $36,706/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Pennsylvania?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/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 Aurora details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Allentown

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