Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Salem is 33% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,323/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 4%
$71,900/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 26%
$382,400 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 51%
$1,440/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 14%
176,666
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
3.07%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $54/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $648/year.

Median household income is $18,497/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Allentown — common questions

Is Salem or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Allentown?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $54/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Allentown?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $18,497/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Pennsylvania?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Allentown details →

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