Is Denver, CO cheaper than Allentown, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 16.0% more expensive than Allentown, PA. This translates to spending an extra $1203 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Allentown, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Allentown, PA, you'd need approximately $164,441.641 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Allentown, PA and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 66.6% more expensive than in Allentown, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,302/month in Allentown, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Allentown, PA to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1203 more per month than Allentown, PA, or $14442 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Allentown, PA vs Denver, CO: 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 spend $1.2K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $164.4K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 16.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,203

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$14.4K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:116

Median Home:$513K

Allentown, PA

The Keystone State

125K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Allentown, PA vs Denver, CO

Category	Allentown, PA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,950/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,299more	66.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,331/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $131more	9.8%
📦Other	$1,662/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $112more	6.8%
⚡All Utilities	$587/mo	$519/mo	↓ $67.90less	11.6%
🏥Healthcare	$588/mo	$632/mo	↑ $44.33more	7.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $39.40less	3.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 66.6%

Allentown, PA

$1,950

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,299

🚗Transportation

↑ 9.8%

Allentown, PA

$1,331

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$131

📦Other

↑ 6.8%

Allentown, PA

$1,662

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$112

⚡All Utilities

↓ 11.6%

Allentown, PA

$587

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$67.90

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.5%

Allentown, PA

$588

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$44.33

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.7%

Allentown, PA

$1,069

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$39.40

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Net difference-$4,356/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$900

To$1,720

↑ $820

1 Bed

From$1,067

To$1,840

↑ $773

2 Bed

From$1,302

To$2,190

↑ $888

3 Bed

From$1,664

To$2,870

↑ $1,206

Allentown, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,640/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,479

Difference

Home Values

Allentown

Denver

$257K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +4.7%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +55.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$203K - $384K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 100% more expensive than Allentown

Calculate payment - Allentown Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$166

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Allentown, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.