Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Seattle is 148% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,998/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 36%
$121,984/yr ↑ 128%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 56%
$912,100 ↑ 383%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 79%
$2,220/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 44%
741,440
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $729/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $8,748/year.

Median household income is $68,581/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Allentown — common questions

Is Seattle or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Allentown?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $729/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Allentown?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $68,581/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Pennsylvania?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Allentown

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