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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Chicago is 21% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,380/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 8%
$75,134/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 29%
$315,200 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 40%
$1,502/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 17%
2,707,648
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $21,731/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Allentown — common questions

Is Chicago 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 Chicago and Allentown?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Allentown?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $21,731/year higher in Chicago.
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 Chicago or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Allentown details →