Allentown, PA vs Reading, PA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Reading is 20.3% 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 Reading 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 $1,018/month in Reading — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Reading is more affordable at $109,800 median vs $188,900.

Median household income in Allentown is $53,403 compared to $45,599 in Reading (+17.1%). 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 26.8% in Reading.