Northampton, PA vs Penn Estates, PA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Northampton is 25.8% cheaper than Penn Estates. With a cost index of 88 vs 119, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Northampton to Penn Estates should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Northampton is $1,156/month compared to $2,188/month in Penn Estates — a 47% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Northampton is more affordable at $225,400 median vs $233,200.

Median household income in Northampton is $82,719 compared to $91,080 in Penn Estates (-9.2%). Penn Estates 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 Northampton spend roughly 16.8% of their income on rent, less than the 28.8% in Penn Estates.