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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Los Angeles is 137% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,879/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 32%
$80,366/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 34%
$879,500 ↑ 366%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 79%
$2,055/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 40%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $610/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $7,320/year.

Median household income is $26,963/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Allentown — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Allentown?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $610/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Allentown?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $26,963/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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