Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Allentown, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 5.1% cheaper than Allentown, PA. This translates to saving $379 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Allentown, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Allentown, PA, you'd need approximately $145,452.251 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Allentown, PA and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 5.3% more expensive than in Allentown, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,302/month in Allentown, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Allentown, PA to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Allentown, PA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $379 per month, or $4548 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Allentown, PA vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Allentown, PA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Philadelphia, PA area

Current salary in Allentown, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $379/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.5K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$379

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Allentown, PA

Population:125K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$257K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$263K

Allentown, PA

The Keystone State

125K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 125K residents.

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Allentown, PA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Allentown, PA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
⚡All Utilities	$587/mo	$464/mo	↓ $123less	20.9%
📦Other	$1,662/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $105less	6.3%
🏠Housing	$1,950/mo	$2,053/mo	↑ $103more	5.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$969/mo	↓ $99.36less	9.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,331/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $35.35more	2.7%
🏥Healthcare	$588/mo	$607/mo	↑ $19.54more	3.3%

⚡All Utilities

↓ 20.9%

Allentown, PA

$587

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$123

less

📦Other

↓ 6.3%

Allentown, PA

$1,662

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$105

less

🏠Housing

↑ 5.3%

Allentown, PA

$1,950

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$103

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.3%

Allentown, PA

$1,069

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$99.36

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.7%

Allentown, PA

$1,331

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$35.35

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.3%

Allentown, PA

$588

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$19.54

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Allentown, PA: Allentown Earned Income Tax$4,425/yr (2.9%)

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Net difference-$675/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$900

To$1,020

↑ $120

1 Bed

From$1,067

To$1,100

↑ $33.00

2 Bed

From$1,302

To$1,315

↑ $13.00

3 Bed

From$1,664

To$1,575

↓ $89.00

Allentown, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,640/mo

Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,790/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,186

Monthly in Allentown, PA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$169

Difference

Home Values

Allentown

Columbus

$257K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +4.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +55.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$203K - $384K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 2% more expensive than Allentown

Calculate payment - Allentown Calculate payment - Columbus

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $178

Per year

Monthly Difference

$14.81

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

Allentown, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Allentown, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.