Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Rochester is 23% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,039/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 22%
$46,628/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 15%
$120,600 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 57%
$1,009/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 23%
209,720
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $6,775/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Allentown — common questions

Is Rochester or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Allentown?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Allentown?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $6,775/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between New York and Pennsylvania?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Allentown details →

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