Cost of Living: Oakland, CA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Oakland

California
195
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Oakland is 147% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,917/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 34%
$97,369/yr ↑ 82%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 45%
$924,700 ↑ 390%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 80%
$2,164/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 43%
438,072
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $648/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $7,776/year.

Median household income is $43,966/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Allentown — common questions

Is Oakland or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Allentown?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $648/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Allentown?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $43,966/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Allentown details →

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