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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Columbus is 5% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,224/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 4%
$65,327/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 18%
$234,500 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 19%
$1,243/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ≈ Same
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,924/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Allentown — common questions

Is Columbus or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Allentown?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Allentown?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $11,924/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Allentown details →

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