Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Riverside is 82% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,812/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 30%
$88,575/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 40%
$542,100 ↑ 187%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 65%
$1,880/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 34%
316,241
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $543/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $6,516/year.

Median household income is $35,172/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Allentown — common questions

Is Riverside or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Allentown?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $543/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Allentown?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $35,172/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Allentown details →

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