Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Denver is 86% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,770/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 28%
$91,681/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 42%
$586,700 ↑ 211%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 68%
$1,839/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 32%
713,734
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
3.07%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $501/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $6,012/year.

Median household income is $38,278/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Allentown — common questions

Is Denver or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Allentown?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $501/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Allentown?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $38,278/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Pennsylvania?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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