Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Madison is 30% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,364/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 7%
$76,983/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 31%
$346,900 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 46%
$1,476/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 16%
275,568
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $23,580/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Allentown — common questions

Is Madison or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Allentown?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Allentown?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $23,580/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Pennsylvania?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Allentown details →

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