Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Washington is 116% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,900/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 33%
$106,287/yr ↑ 99%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 50%
$724,600 ↑ 284%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 74%
$2,103/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 41%
672,079
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $631/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $7,572/year.

Median household income is $52,884/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Allentown — common questions

Is Washington or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Allentown?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $631/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Allentown?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $52,884/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Pennsylvania?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Allentown details →

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