Allentown, PA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Allentown, PA and Pittsburgh, PA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3% difference in their overall index. Allentown scores 89 while Pittsburgh 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 $1,221/month in Pittsburgh — a 4% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Pittsburgh has cheaper rent, Allentown actually has lower median home values ($188,900 vs $193,200).

Median household income in Allentown is $53,403 compared to $64,137 in Pittsburgh (-16.7%). Pittsburgh 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 22.8% in Pittsburgh.