Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Reno is 54% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,453/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 13%
$78,448/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 32%
$498,600 ↑ 164%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 62%
$1,482/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 16%
268,959
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.53%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $25,045/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Allentown — common questions

Is Reno or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Allentown?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Allentown?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $25,045/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Pennsylvania?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Allentown details →

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