Median rent is 29% lower in Allentown ($1,269/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Allentown, where the median home runs $188,900 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $53,403 a year). Taken together, Allentown is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.1 against 113.0 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New York, NY.
Quick verdict
Allentown is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.1 in Allentown vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Allentown, PA
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Allentown, PA?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$86,411
You'd need $11,411 more (15% 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
New York
New York
👥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 $1,779/mo in New York, a 29% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $188,900 in Allentown — 75% 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 10.90% in New York, so Allentown is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Pennsylvania and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Allentown
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Allentown.
Pick Allentown if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.1 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/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 New York?
Allentown is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.1 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Allentown.
How much is rent in Allentown vs New York?
Median rent is $1,269/mo in Allentown, PA and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Allentown, PA has the lower rent by about 29%.
Which has higher salaries — Allentown or New York?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown, PA and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY 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 New York?
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% and New York's is 10.90%. Allentown, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Allentown income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Allentown, PA is equivalent to roughly $115,214 in New York, NY (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