Cost of Living in Allentown, PA
Population 125,320 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Allentown lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $189,000 — 38% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Pennsylvania. A poverty rate near 22% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Allentown
The median home value in Allentown is $188,900 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,269/month, 3% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,403/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 63.3°F and lows of 42.8°F, with about 33.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Allentown has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38 | 42 | 51 | 63 | 74 | 82 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 66 | 54 | 43 |
| Low °F | 22 | 23 | 31 | 40 | 51 | 60 | 65 | 63 | 55 | 44 | 34 | 27 |
| Precip" | 3.30 | 2.77 | 3.63 | 3.67 | 3.65 | 4.40 | 5.30 | 4.56 | 4.84 | 4.14 | 3.24 | 3.86 |
| Snow" | 9.8 | 10.8 | 6.3 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 4.6 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Allentown, PA?
Allentown has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.
What is average rent in Allentown, PA?
The median gross rent in Allentown is $1,269 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Allentown?
The median home value in Allentown is $188,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Allentown?
The median household income in Allentown is $53,403 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Allentown, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Allentown is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Allentown, PA affordable?
Yes, Allentown is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Allentown?
Allentown has average high temperatures of 63.3°F and average lows of 42.8°F. Annual precipitation is 47.4". Average annual snowfall is 33.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Allentown at a Glance
- Population
- 125,320
- Median Income
- $53,403
- Home Value
- $188,900
- Median Rent
- $1,269/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Pennsylvania Rankings
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