Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Portland is 75% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,596/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 20%
$88,792/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 40%
$557,600 ↑ 195%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 66%
$1,771/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 30%
642,715
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
3.07%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $327/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $3,924/year.

Median household income is $35,389/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Allentown — common questions

Is Portland or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Allentown?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $327/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Allentown?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $35,389/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Pennsylvania?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Allentown details →

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