Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Phoenix is 38% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,458/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 13%
$77,041/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 31%
$381,900 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 51%
$1,430/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 13%
1,624,832
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $189/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $2,268/year.

Median household income is $23,638/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Allentown — common questions

Is Phoenix or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Allentown?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $189/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Allentown?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $23,638/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Pennsylvania?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Allentown details →

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