Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Montgomery is 19% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,059/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 20%
$55,687/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 4%
$148,500 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 27%
$1,023/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 22%
198,440
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $2,284/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Allentown — common questions

Is Montgomery or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Allentown?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Allentown?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $2,284/year higher in Montgomery.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Pennsylvania?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Allentown details →

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