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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Surprise is 59% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,917/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 34%
$93,371/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 43%
$396,000 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 52%
$1,587/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 22%
149,519
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $648/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $7,776/year.

Median household income is $39,968/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Allentown — common questions

Is Surprise or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Allentown?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $648/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Allentown?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $39,968/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Allentown

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo