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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Cleveland is 35% cheaper than Allentown.

$894/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 42%
$39,187/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 36%
$94,100 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 101%
$866/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 44%
367,523
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

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $14,216/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Allentown — common questions

Is Cleveland or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Allentown?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Allentown?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $14,216/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 Cleveland or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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 Cleveland details → View Allentown details →

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