Allentown, PA vs Harrisburg, PA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Harrisburg is 19.6% cheaper than Allentown. With a cost index of 74 vs 89, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Harrisburg to Allentown should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month compared to $996/month in Harrisburg — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Harrisburg is more affordable at $121,000 median vs $188,900.

Median household income in Allentown is $53,403 compared to $47,783 in Harrisburg (+11.8%). 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 25% in Harrisburg.