Allentown, PA vs Lancaster, PA

Allentown, PA and Lancaster, PA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.7% difference in their overall index. Allentown scores 89 while Lancaster scores 86 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month compared to $1,177/month in Lancaster — a 8% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Lancaster has cheaper rent, Allentown actually has lower median home values ($188,900 vs $203,700).

Median household income in Allentown is $53,403 compared to $63,421 in Lancaster (-15.8%). Lancaster offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Allentown spend roughly 28.5% of their income on rent, more than the 22.3% in Lancaster.