Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Jersey City is 87% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,902/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 33%
$94,813/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 44%
$534,500 ↑ 183%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 65%
$2,006/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 38%
289,691
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $633/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $7,596/year.

Median household income is $41,410/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Allentown — common questions

Is Jersey City or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Allentown?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $633/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Allentown?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $41,410/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Pennsylvania?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Allentown details →

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