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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Lancaster is 57% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,696/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 25%
$76,083/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 30%
$409,100 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 54%
$1,746/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 29%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $427/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $5,124/year.

Median household income is $22,680/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Allentown — common questions

Is Lancaster or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Allentown?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $427/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Allentown?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $22,680/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Allentown

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo