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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

San Francisco is 238% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,419/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 48%
$141,446/yr ↑ 165%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 62%
$1,380,500 ↑ 631%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 86%
$2,620/mo ↑ 111%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 53%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,150/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $13,800/year.

Median household income is $88,043/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Allentown — common questions

Is San Francisco or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Allentown?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $1,150/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Allentown?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $88,043/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 San Francisco details → View Allentown details →

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