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

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Charlotte is 37% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,504/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 16%
$78,438/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 32%
$351,500 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 46%
$1,487/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 16%
886,283
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

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $25,035/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Allentown — common questions

Is Charlotte or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Allentown?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $235/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Allentown?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $25,035/year higher in Charlotte.
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 Charlotte or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Allentown details →

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