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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Milwaukee is 15% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,033/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 23%
$51,888/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 3%
$172,000 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 10%
$1,082/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 15%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $1,515/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Allentown — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Allentown?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Allentown?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $1,515/year higher in Allentown.
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 Milwaukee or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Allentown details →

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