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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Glendale is 171% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,095/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 39%
$84,262/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 37%
$1,043,900 ↑ 453%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 82%
$2,212/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 44%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $826/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $9,912/year.

Median household income is $30,859/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Allentown — common questions

Is Glendale or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Allentown?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $826/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Allentown?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $30,859/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Allentown details →

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