Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Salt Lake City is 48% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,343/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 6%
$74,925/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 29%
$495,700 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 62%
$1,394/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 11%
203,888
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $21,522/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Allentown — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Allentown?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Allentown?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $21,522/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Pennsylvania?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Allentown

Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo