Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Durham is 33% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,412/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 10%
$79,234/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 33%
$355,300 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 47%
$1,434/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 13%
288,465
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $25,831/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Allentown — common questions

Is Durham or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Allentown?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Allentown?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $25,831/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Pennsylvania?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Allentown details →

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