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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Tempe is 52% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,623/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 22%
$77,643/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 31%
$421,900 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 55%
$1,554/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 20%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $354/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $4,248/year.

Median household income is $24,240/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Allentown — common questions

Is Tempe or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Allentown?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $354/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Allentown?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $24,240/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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