Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Pittsburgh is 4% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,221/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 4%
$64,137/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 17%
$193,200 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 2%
$1,136/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 9%
303,620
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,734/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Allentown — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Allentown?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Allentown?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $10,734/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania?
Both cities are in Pennsylvania and share the same state tax rates: 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pittsburgh and Allentown

Pittsburgh vs. Newark Pittsburgh vs. Greensboro Pittsburgh vs. St. Paul Pittsburgh vs. St. Louis Pittsburgh vs. Irvine Pittsburgh vs. Lincoln Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo