Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Raleigh is 39% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,468/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 14%
$82,424/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 35%
$377,800 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 50%
$1,487/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 16%
470,763
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $29,021/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Allentown — common questions

Is Raleigh or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Allentown?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Allentown?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $29,021/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Pennsylvania?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Allentown details →

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