Median rent is 32% lower in Allentown ($1,269/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Allentown, where the median home runs $188,900 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $53,403 a year). Taken together, Allentown is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.1 against 113.3 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Allentown is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.1 in Allentown vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Allentown, PA
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Allentown, PA?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$86,656
You'd need $11,656 more (16% 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
Los Angeles
California
👥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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Allentown — median rent of $1,269/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 32% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $188,900 in Allentown — 79% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% versus 13.30% in California, so Allentown is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Pennsylvania and 7.25% in California; Allentown has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Allentown
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Allentown.
Pick Allentown if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.1 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Allentown if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,269/mo median).
Pick Allentown if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is Allentown cheaper than Los Angeles?
Allentown is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.1 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Allentown.
How much is rent in Allentown vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,269/mo in Allentown, PA and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Allentown, PA has the lower rent by about 32%.
Which has higher salaries — Allentown or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown, PA and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles?
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% and California's is 13.30%. Allentown, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Allentown income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Allentown, PA is equivalent to roughly $115,541 in Los Angeles, CA (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