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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Fresno is 28% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,324/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 4%
$66,804/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 20%
$348,500 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 46%
$1,391/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 11%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $55/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $660/year.

Median household income is $13,401/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Allentown — common questions

Is Fresno or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Allentown?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $55/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Allentown?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $13,401/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Allentown details →

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