Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Birmingham is 22% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,047/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 21%
$44,376/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 20%
$138,600 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 36%
$991/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 25%
199,322
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $222/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $2,664/year.

Median household income is $9,027/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Allentown — common questions

Is Birmingham or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Allentown?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $222/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Allentown?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $9,027/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Pennsylvania?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Allentown details →

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