Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Providence is 25% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,333/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 5%
$66,772/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 20%
$322,800 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 41%
$1,467/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 15%
190,214
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $13,369/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Allentown — common questions

Is Providence or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Allentown?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Allentown?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $13,369/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Pennsylvania?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Allentown details →

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