Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Naperville is 86% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,852/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 31%
$150,937/yr ↑ 183%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 65%
$509,900 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 63%
$2,161/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 42%
149,424
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $583/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $6,996/year.

Median household income is $97,534/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Allentown — common questions

Is Naperville or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Allentown?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $583/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Allentown?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $97,534/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Pennsylvania?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/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 Naperville details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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