Median rent is 19% lower in Bethlehem ($1,311/mo vs $1,612/mo). Buying is cheaper in Bethlehem, where the median home runs $236,500 versus $669,500. Households earn more in Newport ($83,562 vs $66,443 a year). Taken together, Newport is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.9 against 98.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Newport, RI.
City A
Bethlehem, PA
City B
Newport, RI
How much would you need to earn in Newport, RI to maintain your standard of living from Bethlehem, PA?
Equivalent salary in Newport, RI
$74,876
You could earn $124 less (0% lower) and break even.
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
Bethlehem
Pennsylvania
Newport
Rhode Island
👥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 Bethlehem at $1,311/mo compared to $1,612/mo in Newport (19% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Newport: the median home is $669,500 versus $236,500 in Bethlehem — 65% 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 5.99% in Rhode Island, so Bethlehem is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Pennsylvania and 7.00% in Rhode Island; Bethlehem has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Bethlehem
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Newport
Income tax: 5.99%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Newport if you prioritize higher median household income ($83,562/yr).
Pick Bethlehem if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,311/mo median).
Pick Bethlehem if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is Bethlehem cheaper than Newport?
Newport is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.9 versus 98.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Newport.
How much is rent in Bethlehem vs Newport?
Median rent is $1,311/mo in Bethlehem, PA and $1,612/mo in Newport, RI. Bethlehem, PA has the lower rent by about 19%.
Which has higher salaries — Bethlehem or Newport?
Median household income is $66,443 in Bethlehem, PA and $83,562 in Newport, RI. Newport, RI 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 — Bethlehem or Newport?
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% and Rhode Island's is 5.99%. Bethlehem, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Newport to match my Bethlehem income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Bethlehem, PA is equivalent to roughly $99,835 in Newport, RI (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