Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Fort Lauderdale is 67% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,776/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 29%
$79,935/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 33%
$455,600 ↑ 141%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 59%
$1,778/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 30%
183,032
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $507/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $6,084/year.

Median household income is $26,532/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Allentown — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Allentown?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $507/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Allentown?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $26,532/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Pennsylvania?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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 Fort Lauderdale details → View Allentown details →

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