Allentown, PA vs Erie, PA

The cost of living difference between Allentown, PA and Erie, PA is dramatic. Erie is 33.4% cheaper than Allentown, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Allentown has a cost index of 89 while Erie sits at 66, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month compared to $836/month in Erie — a 52% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Erie is more affordable at $108,200 median vs $188,900.

Median household income in Allentown is $53,403 compared to $43,397 in Erie (+23.1%). The higher salaries in Allentown partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Allentown spend roughly 28.5% of their income on rent, more than the 23.1% in Erie.