Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Mesa is 35% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,478/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 14%
$78,779/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 32%
$364,300 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 48%
$1,404/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 11%
507,478
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $25,376/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Allentown — common questions

Is Mesa or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Allentown?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Allentown?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $25,376/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Pennsylvania?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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