Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Allentown, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 8.9% more expensive than Allentown, PA. This translates to spending an extra $665 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Allentown, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Allentown, PA, you'd need approximately $157,985.248 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Allentown, PA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 43.0% more expensive than in Allentown, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,302/month in Allentown, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Allentown, PA to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $665 more per month than Allentown, PA, or $7985 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Allentown, PA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

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 $665/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.0K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 8.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$665

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.0K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:109

Median Home:$414K

Allentown, PA

The Keystone State

125K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Allentown, PA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Allentown, PA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,950/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $839more	43.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,331/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $158more	11.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$963/mo	↓ $105less	9.9%
⚡All Utilities	$587/mo	$561/mo	↓ $25.83less	4.4%
📦Other	$1,662/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $15.30more	0.9%
🏥Healthcare	$588/mo	$589/mo	↑ $0.96more	0.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 43.0%

Allentown, PA

$1,950

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$839

🚗Transportation

↑ 11.9%

Allentown, PA

$1,331

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$158

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.9%

Allentown, PA

$1,069

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$105

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.4%

Allentown, PA

$587

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$25.83

less

📦Other

↑ 0.9%

Allentown, PA

$1,662

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$15.30

🏥Healthcare

↑ 0.2%

Allentown, PA

$588

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$0.96

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Phoenix, AZ has no local income tax.

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$900

To$1,390

↑ $490

1 Bed

From$1,067

To$1,510

↑ $443

2 Bed

From$1,302

To$1,750

↑ $448

3 Bed

From$1,664

To$2,330

↑ $666

Allentown, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,640/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$882

Difference

Home Values

Allentown

Phoenix

$257K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +4.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +55.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$203K - $384K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 61% more expensive than Allentown

Calculate payment - Allentown Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $628

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$52.32

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Allentown, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.