Cost of Living: New Haven, CT vs Allentown, PA (2026)

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

New Haven is 20% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,442/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 12%
$53,771/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$53,403/yr ≈ Same
$249,000 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 24%
$1,520/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 18%
132,893
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.15%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

32.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $173/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $2,076/year.

Median household income is $368/year higher in New Haven. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Allentown — common questions

Is New Haven or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Allentown?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $173/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Allentown?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $368/year higher in New Haven.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Pennsylvania?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to New Haven or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/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 New Haven details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Haven and Allentown

New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo