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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Sacramento is 67% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,694/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 25%
$83,753/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 36%
$484,600 ↑ 157%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 61%
$1,752/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 29%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $425/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $5,100/year.

Median household income is $30,350/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Allentown — common questions

Is Sacramento or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Allentown?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $425/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Allentown?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $30,350/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Allentown details →

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