Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Detroit is 33% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,034/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 23%
$39,575/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 35%
$76,800 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 146%
$868/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 43%
636,644
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $13,828/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Allentown — common questions

Is Detroit or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Allentown?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $235/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Allentown?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $13,828/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Pennsylvania?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Allentown details →

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