Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Elizabeth is 42% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,463/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 13%
$63,874/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 16%
$393,500 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 52%
$1,543/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 19%
135,887
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $194/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $2,328/year.

Median household income is $10,471/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Allentown — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Allentown?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $194/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Allentown?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $10,471/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Pennsylvania?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Allentown

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo