Allentown, PA vs Scranton, PA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Scranton is 19.1% 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 Scranton 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 $991/month in Scranton — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Scranton is more affordable at $141,700 median vs $188,900.

Median household income in Allentown is $53,403 compared to $49,531 in Scranton (+7.8%). Allentown does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Allentown spend roughly 28.5% of their income on rent, more than the 24% in Scranton.