Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Newark is 27% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,330/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 5%
$48,416/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 10%
$337,800 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 44%
$1,419/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 12%
307,188
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $4,987/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Allentown — common questions

Is Newark or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Allentown?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Allentown?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $4,987/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Pennsylvania?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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