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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Ontario is 92% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,916/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 34%
$82,806/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 36%
$568,000 ↑ 201%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 67%
$1,967/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 37%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $647/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $7,764/year.

Median household income is $29,403/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Allentown — common questions

Is Ontario or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Allentown?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $647/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Allentown?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $29,403/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Allentown

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo