Allentown, PA vs Wilkes-Barre, PA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wilkes-Barre is 26.5% cheaper than Allentown. With a cost index of 70 vs 89, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wilkes-Barre 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 $939/month in Wilkes-Barre — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wilkes-Barre is more affordable at $108,000 median vs $188,900.

Median household income in Allentown is $53,403 compared to $47,970 in Wilkes-Barre (+11.3%). 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 23.5% in Wilkes-Barre.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (53.1°F vs 51.3°F). Allentown receives more rainfall at 47.4" per year compared to 38.7" in Wilkes-Barre.