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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Santa Clarita is 149% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,486/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 49%
$119,926/yr ↑ 125%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 55%
$721,000 ↑ 282%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 74%
$2,649/mo ↑ 113%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 53%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,217/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $14,604/year.

Median household income is $66,523/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Allentown — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Allentown?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $1,217/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Allentown?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $66,523/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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