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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Modesto is 52% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,609/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 21%
$77,899/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 31%
$415,600 ↑ 120%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 55%
$1,613/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 23%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $340/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $4,080/year.

Median household income is $24,496/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Allentown — common questions

Is Modesto or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Allentown?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $340/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Allentown?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $24,496/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo