Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Cincinnati is 13% cheaper than Allentown.

$953/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 33%
$51,707/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 3%
$215,300 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 12%
$1,041/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 19%
309,595
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $1,696/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Allentown — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Allentown?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $316/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Allentown?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $1,696/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Pennsylvania?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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 Cincinnati details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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