Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Lakewood is 78% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,746/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 27%
$85,789/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 38%
$548,200 ↑ 190%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 66%
$1,729/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 28%
156,309
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
3.07%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $477/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $5,724/year.

Median household income is $32,386/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Allentown — common questions

Is Lakewood or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Allentown?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $477/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Allentown?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $32,386/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Pennsylvania?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Allentown details →

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