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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Long Beach is 114% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,803/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 30%
$83,969/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 36%
$762,200 ↑ 303%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 75%
$1,890/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 34%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $534/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $6,408/year.

Median household income is $30,566/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Allentown — common questions

Is Long Beach or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Allentown?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $534/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Allentown?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $30,566/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Allentown details →

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