Median rent is 19% lower in Gulfport ($1,030/mo vs $1,269/mo). Buying is cheaper in Gulfport, where the median home runs $167,100 versus $188,900. Households earn more in Allentown ($53,403 vs $46,044 a year). Taken together, Allentown is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.1 against 98.2 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Allentown, PA.
City A
Allentown, PA
City B
Gulfport, MS
How much would you need to earn in Gulfport, MS to maintain your standard of living from Allentown, PA?
Equivalent salary in Gulfport, MS
$75,113
You'd need $113 more (0% higher).
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
Gulfport
Mississippi
👥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 rent is modestly lower in Gulfport at $1,030/mo compared to $1,269/mo in Allentown (19% gap). Median home values are within 12% of each other: $188,900 in Allentown and $167,100 in Gulfport.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% versus 4.70% in Mississippi, so Allentown is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Pennsylvania and 7.00% in Mississippi; Allentown has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Allentown
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Gulfport
Income tax: 4.70%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Allentown if you prioritize higher median household income ($53,403/yr).
Pick Gulfport if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,030/mo median).
Pick Allentown if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is Allentown cheaper than Gulfport?
Allentown is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.1 versus 98.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Allentown.
How much is rent in Allentown vs Gulfport?
Median rent is $1,269/mo in Allentown, PA and $1,030/mo in Gulfport, MS. Gulfport, MS has the lower rent by about 19%.
Which has higher salaries — Allentown or Gulfport?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown, PA and $46,044 in Gulfport, MS. Allentown, 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 Gulfport?
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% and Mississippi's is 4.70%. Allentown, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Gulfport to match my Allentown income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Allentown, PA is equivalent to roughly $100,151 in Gulfport, MS (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