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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Fremont is 252% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,905/mo ↑ 129%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 56%
$176,350/yr ↑ 230%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 70%
$1,289,400 ↑ 583%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 85%
$3,000/mo ↑ 141%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 59%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,636/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $19,632/year.

Median household income is $122,947/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Allentown — common questions

Is Fremont or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Allentown?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $1,636/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Allentown?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $122,947/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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