Cost of Living: Stamford, CT vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Stamford

Connecticut
172
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Stamford is 118% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,207/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 43%
$107,474/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 50%
$614,300 ↑ 225%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 69%
$2,358/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 47%
135,806
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.15%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stamford, CT and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $938/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $11,256/year.

Median household income is $54,071/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stamford is $614,300 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stamford vs Allentown — common questions

Is Stamford or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stamford and Allentown?
Median rent in Stamford is $2,207/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $938/month.
Which city has higher income, Stamford or Allentown?
Median household income is $107,474 in Stamford and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $54,071/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Pennsylvania?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Stamford or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Stamford has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,207/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 Stamford details → View Allentown details →

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