Bethlehem, PA vs Lebanon, PA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lebanon is 22.9% cheaper than Bethlehem. With a cost index of 76 vs 94, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lebanon to Bethlehem should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bethlehem is $1,311/month compared to $1,024/month in Lebanon — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lebanon is more affordable at $143,200 median vs $236,500.

Median household income in Bethlehem is $66,443 compared to $47,439 in Lebanon (+40.1%). While Bethlehem is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bethlehem spend roughly 23.7% of their income on rent, less than the 25.9% in Lebanon.