Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Cary is 71% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,621/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 22%
$129,399/yr ↑ 142%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 59%
$525,200 ↑ 178%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 64%
$1,744/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 29%
176,686
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $352/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $4,224/year.

Median household income is $75,996/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Allentown — common questions

Is Cary or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Allentown?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $352/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Allentown?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $75,996/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Pennsylvania?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Cary or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Allentown details →

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