Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Allentown, PA (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

New York is 110% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,779/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 29%
$79,713/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 33%
$751,700 ↑ 298%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 75%
$1,837/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 32%
8,516,202
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $510/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $6,120/year.

Median household income is $26,310/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Allentown — common questions

Is New York or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Allentown?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $510/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Allentown?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $26,310/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Pennsylvania?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 York details → View Allentown details →

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