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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Sunnyvale is 332% more expensive than Allentown.

$3,065/mo ↑ 142%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 59%
$181,862/yr ↑ 241%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 71%
$1,816,600 ↑ 862%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 90%
$3,016/mo ↑ 143%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 59%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,796/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $21,552/year.

Median household income is $128,459/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Allentown — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Allentown?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $1,796/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Allentown?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $128,459/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Allentown details →

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