Cost of Living: Vancouver, WA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Vancouver is 56% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,632/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 22%
$78,156/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 32%
$440,300 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 57%
$1,607/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 23%
192,696
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $24,753/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Vancouver residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs Allentown — common questions

Is Vancouver or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vancouver and Allentown?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or Allentown?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $24,753/year higher in Vancouver.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Pennsylvania?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Vancouver or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/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 Vancouver details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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