Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Boston is 123% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,093/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 39%
$94,755/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 44%
$710,400 ↑ 276%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 73%
$2,176/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 43%
663,972
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $824/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $9,888/year.

Median household income is $41,352/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Allentown — common questions

Is Boston or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Allentown?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $824/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Allentown?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $41,352/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Pennsylvania?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Allentown details →

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