Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Syracuse is 25% cheaper than Allentown.

$998/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 27%
$45,845/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 16%
$125,100 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 51%
$980/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 27%
146,211
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $271/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $3,252/year.

Median household income is $7,558/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Allentown — common questions

Is Syracuse or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Allentown?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $271/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Allentown?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $7,558/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between New York and Pennsylvania?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $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 Syracuse details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo