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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Irvine is 224% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,893/mo ↑ 128%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 56%
$129,647/yr ↑ 143%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 59%
$1,115,400 ↑ 490%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 83%
$2,904/mo ↑ 134%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 57%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,624/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $19,488/year.

Median household income is $76,244/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Allentown — common questions

Is Irvine or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Allentown?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $1,624/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Allentown?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $76,244/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Allentown details →

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