Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Scottsdale is 109% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,910/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 34%
$107,372/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 50%
$709,900 ↑ 276%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 73%
$1,824/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 32%
242,169
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $641/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $7,692/year.

Median household income is $53,969/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Allentown — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Allentown?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $641/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Allentown?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $53,969/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Pennsylvania?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Allentown details →

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