Median rent is 3% lower in Allentown ($1,269/mo vs $1,311/mo). Buying is cheaper in Allentown, where the median home runs $188,900 versus $236,500. Households earn more in Bethlehem ($66,443 vs $53,403 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (98.1).
City A
Allentown, PA
City B
Bethlehem, PA
How much would you need to earn in Bethlehem, PA to maintain your standard of living from Allentown, PA?
Equivalent salary in Bethlehem, PA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Allentown
Pennsylvania
Bethlehem
Pennsylvania
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,269/mo in Allentown and $1,311/mo in Bethlehem. Median home values are within 20% of each other: $188,900 in Allentown and $236,500 in Bethlehem.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% versus 3.07% in Pennsylvania, so Bethlehem is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Pennsylvania and 6.00% in Pennsylvania; Bethlehem has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Allentown
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Bethlehem
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Bethlehem if you prioritize higher median household income ($66,443/yr).
Is Allentown cheaper than Bethlehem?
Allentown is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.1 versus 98.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Allentown.
How much is rent in Allentown vs Bethlehem?
Median rent is $1,269/mo in Allentown, PA and $1,311/mo in Bethlehem, PA. Allentown, PA has the lower rent by about 3%.
Which has higher salaries — Allentown or Bethlehem?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown, PA and $66,443 in Bethlehem, PA. Bethlehem, PA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Allentown or Bethlehem?
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% and Pennsylvania's is 3.07%. Bethlehem, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Bethlehem to match my Allentown income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Allentown, PA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Bethlehem, PA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology