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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Pasadena is 178% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,218/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 43%
$103,778/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 49%
$1,045,000 ↑ 453%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 82%
$2,340/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 47%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $949/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $11,388/year.

Median household income is $50,375/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Allentown — common questions

Is Pasadena or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Allentown?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $949/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Allentown?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $50,375/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Allentown details →

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