Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Elk Grove is 113% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,180/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 42%
$122,229/yr ↑ 129%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 56%
$603,400 ↑ 219%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 69%
$2,227/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 44%
177,221
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $911/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $10,932/year.

Median household income is $68,826/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Allentown — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Allentown?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $911/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Allentown?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $68,826/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Allentown

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