Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Worcester is 32% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,415/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 10%
$67,544/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 21%
$339,500 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 44%
$1,521/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 18%
205,501
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $14,141/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Allentown — common questions

Is Worcester or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Allentown?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Allentown?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $14,141/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Pennsylvania?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Allentown details →

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