Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Springfield and Allentown have a similar cost of living.

$1,114/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 14%
$51,339/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 4%
$222,700 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 15%
$1,276/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 3%
154,751
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $155/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,860/year.

Median household income is $2,064/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Allentown — common questions

Is Springfield or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Allentown?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $155/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Allentown?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $2,064/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Pennsylvania?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Allentown details →

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