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

Orange

California
206
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Orange is 161% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,252/mo ↑ 77%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 44%
$116,945/yr ↑ 119%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 54%
$900,700 ↑ 377%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 79%
$2,394/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 48%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $983/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $11,796/year.

Median household income is $63,542/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Allentown — common questions

Is Orange or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Allentown?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $983/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Allentown?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $63,542/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Allentown

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo